Module 18 - Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill: IFRS Foundation: Training Material For The IFRS

2009
IFRS Foundation: Training Material for the IFRS® for SMEs
Module 18 – Intangible
Assets other than
Goodwill
IFRS Foundation: Training Material
for the IFRS® for SMEs
including the full text of
Section 18 Intangible Assets other than Goodwill
of the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS)
for Small and Medium-sized Entities (SMEs)
issued by the International Accounting Standards Board on 9 July 2009
with extensive explanations, self-assessment questions and case studies
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This training material has been prepared by IFRS Foundation education staff. It has not been approved by the
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The training material is designed to assist those training others to
implement and consistently apply the IFRS for SMEs. For more information about the IFRS education initiative visit
http://www.ifrs.org/Use+around+the+world/Education/Education.htm.
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Contents
INTRODUCTION __________________________________________________________ 1
Learning objectives ________________________________________________________ 1
IFRS for SMEs ____________________________________________________________ 2
Introduction to the requirements_______________________________________________ 2
REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMPLES ___________________________________________ 4
Scope of this section _______________________________________________________ 4
Recognition _____________________________________________________________ 10
Initial measurement _______________________________________________________ 17
Past expenses not to be recognised as an asset_________________________________ 25
Measurement after recognition_______________________________________________ 25
Amortisation over useful life _________________________________________________ 26
Recoverability of the carrying amount–impairment losses __________________________ 35
Retirement and disposals___________________________________________________ 35
Disclosures______________________________________________________________ 37
SIGNIFICANT ESTIMATES AND OTHER JUDGEMENTS _________________________ 41

COMPARISON WITH FULL IFRSs ___________________________________________ 43
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ________________________________________________ 44
APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE _______________________________________________ 49
Case study 1 ____________________________________________________________ 49
Answer to case study 1 ____________________________________________________ 50
Case study 2 ____________________________________________________________ 52
Case study 3 ____________________________________________________________ 55
IFRS Foundation: Training Material for the IFRS® for SMEs (version 2010-9) iv
Module 18 – Intangible Assets other than Goodwill
This training material has been prepared by IFRS Foundation education staff and has
not been approved by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
The accounting requirements applicable to small and medium-sized entities (SMEs) are
set out in the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) for SMEs, which was
issued by the IASB in July 2009.
INTRODUCTION
This module focuses on the accounting and reporting of intangible assets other than goodwill
in accordance with Section 18 Intangible Assets other than Goodwill of the IFRS for SMEs.
It introduces the learner to the subject, guides the learner through the official text, develops
the learner’s understanding of the requirements through the use of examples and indicates
significant judgements that are required in accounting for intangible assets. Furthermore, the
module includes questions designed to test the learner’s knowledge of the requirements and
case studies to develop the learner’s ability to account for intangible assets in accordance with
the IFRS for SMEs.
Learning objectives
Upon successful completion of this module you should know the financial reporting
requirements for intangible assets other than goodwill in accordance with the IFRS for SMEs.
Furthermore, through the completion of case studies that simulate aspects of the real-world
application of that knowledge, you should have enhanced your competence to account for
intangible assets in accordance with the IFRS for SMEs. In particular you should, in the context
of the IFRS for SMEs, be able to:
 distinguish intangible assets from other assets of an entity
 determine when an intangible asset qualifies for recognition in financial statements
 measure intangible assets on initial recognition and subsequently
 present and disclose intangible assets in financial statements
 identify when an intangible asset is to be derecognised and account for that derecognition
 demonstrate an understanding of significant estimates and other judgements that are
required in accounting for intangible assets.
IFRS Foundation: Training Material for the IFRS® for SMEs (version 2010-9) 1
IFRS for SMEs
The IFRS for SMEs is intended to apply to the general purpose financial statements of entities
that do not have public accountability (see Section 1, Small and Medium-sized Entities).
The IFRS for SMEs includes mandatory requirements and other material (non-mandatory) that is
published with it.
The material that is not mandatory includes:
 a preface, which provides a general introduction to the IFRS for SMEs and explains its
purpose, structure and authority.
 implementation guidance, which includes illustrative financial statements and a
disclosure checklist.
 the Basis for Conclusions, which summarises the IASB’s main considerations in reaching
its conclusions in the IFRS for SMEs.
 the dissenting opinion of an IASB member who did not agree with the publication of the
IFRS for SMEs.
In the IFRS for SMEs the Glossary is part of the mandatory requirements.
In the IFRS for SMEs there are appendices in Section 21 Provisions and Contingencies,
Section 22 Liabilities and Equity and Section 23 Revenue. Those appendices are non-mandatory
guidance.
Introduction to the requirements
The objective of general purpose financial statements of a small or medium-sized entity is to

provide information about the entity’s financial position, performance and cash flows that is
useful for economic decision-making by a broad range of users who are not in a position to
demand reports tailored to meet their particular information needs. The objective of
Section 18 to is prescribe the accounting and reporting requirements for intangible assets that
are not addressed elsewhere in the IFRS for SMEs (eg Section 19 Business Combinations and Goodwill
specifies requirements for goodwill that arises in a business combination, and the
requirements for intangible assets held by an entity for sale in the ordinary course of business
are specified in Sections 13 Inventories and 23 Revenue).
Section 18 of the IFRS for SMEs requires an entity to recognise an intangible asset (ie an
identifiable non-monetary asset without physical substance) only if:
(a) it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset
will flow to the entity; and
(b) the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
On initial recognition an entity measures an intangible asset at cost. Section 18 provides
mandatory application guidance on the measurement of the cost of an intangible asset for a
variety of circumstances. On subsequent recognition, all intangible assets are measured at
cost less any accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.
All costs incurred in research and development activities are recognised as an expense when
incurred.
Every intangible asset is considered to have a finite useful life and is amortised over that
useful life. Except in specified circumstances, the residual value of an intangible asset is
assumed to be nil. Factors may indicate that the residual value or useful life of an intangible
asset has changed since the most recent annual reporting date. If such indicators are present,
an entity shall review its previous estimates and, if current expectations differ, amend the
residual value, amortisation method or useful life.
At each reporting date, an entity shall assess whether there is any indication that any
intangible asset may be impaired. If any such indication exists, that intangible asset is tested
for impairment in accordance with Section 27 Impairment of Assets.
When an intangible asset is disposed of, the gain or loss on disposal is included in profit or
loss.
REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMPLES
The contents of Section 18 Intangible Assets other than Goodwill of the IFRS for SMEs are set out
below and shaded grey. Terms defined in the Glossary of the IFRS for SMEs are also part of the
requirements. They are in bold type the first time they appear in the text of Section 18.
The notes and examples inserted by the IFRS Foundation education staff are not shaded.
Other annotations inserted by the IFRS Foundation staff are presented within square brackets
in bold italics. The insertions made by the staff do not form part of the IFRS for SMEs and have
not been approved by the IASB.
Scope of this section

18.1 This section applies to accounting for all intangible assets other than goodwill (see
Section 19 Business Combinations and Goodwill) and intangible assets held by an entity
for sale in the ordinary course of business (see Section 13 Inventories and
Section 23 Revenue).
18.2 An intangible asset is an identifiable non-monetary asset without physical substance.

Such an asset is identifiable when:
(a) it is separable, ie capable of being separated or divided from the entity and sold,
transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged, either individually or together with a
related contract, asset or liability, or
(b) it arises from contractual or other legal rights, regardless of whether those rights are
transferable or separable from the entity or from other rights and obligations.
Notes
An asset is a resource controlled by the entity as a result of past events and from which
future economic benefits are expected to flow to the entity.
An intangible asset is an identifiable non-monetary resource without physical
substance that is controlled by the entity as a result of past events and from which
future economic benefits are expected to flow to the entity. An asset is identifiable
when it is separable or it arises from contractual or other legal rights.
A non-monetary asset is an asset that is not currency held or an asset to be received in a
fixed or determinable amount of money. Other assets are non-monetary.
Entities frequently expend resources, or incur liabilities, on the acquisition,
development, maintenance or enhancement of intangible resources such as scientific
or technical knowledge, design and implementation of new processes or systems,
licences, intellectual property, market knowledge and trademarks (including brand
names and publishing titles). Common examples of items encompassed by these broad
headings are computer software, patents, copyrights, motion picture films, customer
lists, mortgage servicing rights, fishing licences, import quotas, franchises, customer
or supplier relationships, customer loyalty, market-share and marketing rights.
Note that the intangible resources listed in the paragraph directly above might not all
satisfy the definition of an intangible asset for financial reporting purposes (ie some of
them might not be identifiable, an entity might not have control over the resource and
some of them might not result in future economic benefits). In addition, Section 18
prohibits an entity from recognising its internally generated intangible assets, even
when the entity’s internally generated items meet the definition of an intangible asset
(see paragraphs 18.4(c) and 18.14).
Identifiability
The identifiability criterion distinguishes goodwill from other intangible assets.
Goodwill is the future economic benefits arising from assets that are not capable of
being individually identified and separately recognised. Goodwill arising in a business
combination is accounted for according to Section 19 Business Combinations and Goodwill.
Internally generated goodwill is not recognised.
In some cases, expenditure incurred by an entity to generate future economic benefits
does not result in the creation of an intangible asset that meets the recognition criteria
in Section 18. Such expenditure is often described as contributing to internally
generated goodwill. Internally generated goodwill does not meet the definition of an
intangible asset because it is not an identifiable resource (ie it is not separable and nor
does it arise from contractual or other legal rights) controlled by the entity and its cost
cannot be measured reliably.
Control
An entity controls an asset if it has the power to obtain the future economic benefits
flowing from the underlying resource and to restrict the access of others to those
benefits. Usually, such control would come from legal rights that are enforceable in a
court of law, for example through licences, patents or trademarks. In the absence of
legal rights, it is more difficult to demonstrate control. However, legal enforceability
of a right is not a necessary condition for control because an entity may be able to
control the future economic benefits in some other way, for example through keeping
the resource a secret from others.
In the absence of legal rights, exchange transactions (eg the sale of the intangible asset)
provide evidence of control.
Future economic benefits
The future economic benefits flowing from an intangible asset may include revenue
from the sale of products or services, cost savings or other benefits resulting from the
use of the asset by the entity. For example, the use of intellectual property in a
production process may reduce future production costs rather than increase future
revenues. Intellectual property is an intangible item that arises from human creativity
or intellect (ie it consists of human knowledge and ideas) and has commercial value
(eg copyright artistic works, patented business methods and patented industrial
processes).
Intangible assets do not have physical substance. Assets with physical substance are
sometimes referred to as tangible assets. Tangible assets are accounted for in
accordance with other sections of the IFRS for SMEs. For example, depending on the
purpose for which an entity holds land and buildings, they are accounted for in
accordance with Section 13 Inventories, Section 16 Investment Property or Section 17
Property, Plant and Equipment.
Some intangible assets may be contained in or on a physical substance such as a
compact disc (in the case of computer software), legal documentation (in the case of a
licence or patent) or a DVD (containing a film). In determining whether an asset that
incorporates both intangible and tangible elements should be accounted for as
property, plant and equipment (in accordance with Section 17) or as an intangible asset
(in accordance with Section 18), an entity uses judgement to assess which element is
more significant. For example, computer software for a computer-controlled machine
tool that cannot operate without that specific software is an integral part of the related
hardware and it is treated as property, plant and equipment. The same applies to the
operating system of a computer. However, when the software is not an integral part of
the related hardware, computer software is treated as an intangible asset.
Examples – intangible assets
Ex 1 An entity owns a brand name that it purchased from a competitor. The brand name
is legally protected through registration with the local government of a
trademark(1).
The brand name (a trademark) is an intangible asset of the entity. It is an asset of the
entity—control is evidenced by the legal right and the entity would have purchased the
brand name with the expectation that it would increase future revenues either by
selling products or by preventing its competitors from selling products (future economic
benefits). The asset (brand name) is an intangible asset—it is non-monetary (ie it is
neither currency held nor an asset receivable in a fixed or determinable amount of
money), without physical substance (because it is a legal right), identifiable (because it is
evidenced by legal protection through registration) and can be sold (ie it is separable).
The entity applies the recognition criteria in paragraph 18.4 for determining whether to
recognise its brand name intangible asset.
Ex 2 An entity holds an exclusive licence to operate a particular fast-food outlet in a

specified jurisdiction under a franchise agreement.
The exclusive right to operate in a particular jurisdiction is an intangible asset. It is an
asset because the entity has control through the contractual right and because it expects
to generate future economic benefits by operating the fast-food outlet. The asset
(licence) is an intangible asset—it is non-monetary (ie it is neither currency held nor an
asset receivable in a fixed or determinable amount of money), it does not have physical
substance (because it is a right) and is identifiable (because it arises from a contractual
right).
recognise its licence intangible asset.
(1)
Trademarks are words, names, symbols or other devices used in trade to indicate the source of a product and to
distinguish it from the products of others.
Ex 3 An entity owns and operates an interactive Internet site on which anyone can post
material related to a particular subject. The entity generates revenue by selling
advertising space on the site. The domain name is protected legally through
registration with the appropriate parties.
The Internet site is an intangible asset of the entity. It is an asset of the entity because
the entity has control through ownership of the website and expects to generate future
economic benefits by selling advertising space on the Internet site. The asset (Internet
site) is an intangible asset—it is non-monetary (ie it is neither currency held nor an asset
receivable in a fixed or determinable amount of money), does not have physical
substance (because it is an electronic website) and it is identifiable (the entity has a
contractual-legal right of ownership).
recognise its Internet site intangible asset.
Ex 4 An entity owns 20 software licences. The software licences are used by the entity’s
production and administrative staff.
The software licences are intangible assets of the entity. They are assets of the entity
because the entity has the legal right to use the software under the licences to generate
future economic benefits. The assets (software licences) are intangible assets—they are
non-monetary (ie they are neither currency held nor assets receivable in a fixed or
determinable amount of money), without physical substance (because they are electronic
software) and identifiable (because they arise from contractual rights).
recognise its software licence intangible asset.
Ex 5 An entity operates 20 taxis under licence in city A. The taxi licences are
transferable to other qualified taxi operators.
The taxi licences are intangible asset of the entity. The licences are assets of the entity
because the entity has control through the legal right to operate 20 taxis in the city to
generate future economic benefits from taxi fares. The assets (taxi licences) are
non-monetary (ie they are neither currency held nor assets receivable in a fixed or
determinable amount of money), without physical substance (because they are legal
rights), identifiable (because they arise from purchased contractual rights) and can be
sold (they are separable).
recognise its taxi licence intangible asset.
Ex 6 An entity owns digital audiovisual material—films and audio recordings that it

licenses to its customers.
The digital audiovisual material is an intangible asset. It is an asset because control of
the digital audiovisual material is evidenced by the entity’s ability to license it to others
in return for future economic benefits (ie licence payments). The asset (films and audio
recordings) is an intangible asset (ie an identifiable non-monetary asset without physical
substance) because the asset:
 is identifiable—as evidenced by the licensing arrangements (ie it is separable);
 is non-monetary—because it is neither currency held nor an asset receivable in a fixed

or determinable amount of money; and
 it does not have physical substance—the value of the physical asset on which the
digital, audiovisual material is stored (eg CD, DVD, Blu-Ray) is ignored if it is
immaterial.
recognise its digital audiovisual material intangible asset.
Examples – items that do not satisfy the definition of an intangible asset
Ex 7 Because of its efforts in building customer relationships and loyalty (eg through
advertising), an entity expects that its customers will continue to trade with the
entity (eg a fast-food outlet). There are no contracts with those customers.
In the absence of legal rights to protect the entity’s relationships with its customers or to
control the customers’ loyalty to the entity, an entity usually has insufficient control
over the expected economic benefits from its customer relationships and loyalty for such
items (eg a portfolio of customers, market-share, customer relationships and customer
loyalty) to meet the definition of an intangible asset.
In the absence of legal rights to protect customer relationships, exchange transactions
for the same or similar non-contractual customer relationships (other than as part of a
business combination) provide evidence that the entity is nonetheless able to control the
expected future economic benefits flowing from the customer relationships. Because
such exchange transactions also provide evidence that the customer relationships are
separable, those customer relationships meet the definition of an intangible asset.
However, exchange transactions for non-contractual customer relationships are
uncommon.
Note: when an entity establishes relationships with its customers through fixed-term
contracts, and those contracts contain legally enforceable contractual rights to future
revenue (over which the entity has control), the definition of an intangible asset will be
met. However, in accordance with Section 18, internally generated intangible assets are
not recognised (see paragraphs 18.4(c), 18.14 and 18.15). Accordingly, internally
generated customer lists may not be recognised, but separately acquired (purchased)
customer lists may qualify for recognition (see paragraphs 18.4, 18.7 and 18.10).
Ex 8 A bakery manufactures rye bread that is very popular with its customers using a
recipe that it found in a famous cookbook that is in the public domain. Although
the cookbook’s publication is protected by copyright, there is no limitation on the
use of the recipe. Many of the bakery’s competitors produce rye bread.
The recipe does not meet the definition of an asset of the bakery because the bakery does
not have control over the recipe. The bakery is unable to restrict the access of others to
the benefits from using the recipe because the recipe is available to the public.
Ex 9 An entity has a team of skilled employees and it can identify the incremental staff
skills leading to future economic benefits that will flow from training that it has
provided to its employees. The entity does not expect that any of its employees will
leave the entity, and as a result their skills are expected to remain available to the
entity for the foreseeable future.
In the absence of evidence to the contrary, the entity is unlikely to have sufficient
control over the expected future economic benefits arising from its team of skilled staff
and from training provided to its employees in order for these items to meet the
definition of an intangible asset of the entity.
Similarly, specific technical talent held by particular employees is unlikely to meet the
definition of an intangible asset, unless legal rights protect the entity’s right to use that
talent and also protect the future economic benefits expected from it (and the technical
talent also meets the other requirements to be regarded as meeting the definition of an
intangible asset of the entity).
18.3 Intangible assets do not include:

(a) financial assets, or
(b) mineral rights and mineral reserves, such as oil, natural gas and similar
non-regenerative resources.
Notes
Other intangible assets that are outside the scope of Section 18 because they are within
the scope of another section of the IFRS for SMEs include intangible assets that are held
for sale in the ordinary course of business (which are accounted for in accordance with
Section 13 Inventories) and goodwill (which is accounted for in accordance with
Section 19 Business Combinations and Goodwill).
Examples – intangible assets outside the scope of Section 18
Ex 10 An entity that trades in transferable fishing licences acquires 1,000 licences, each of
which entitles the holder to catch one tonne of fish in a specified jurisdiction’s
waters. The entity does not own a boat and does not intend to catch any fish. It has
advertised the licences for sale at a price that is set to achieve a 40 per cent gross
profit margin.
Although each licence satisfies the definition of an intangible asset, the licences are not
classified as intangible assets of the entity (see paragraph 18.1). The licences are
inventories of the entity because they are assets held for sale in the ordinary course of
business (see paragraph 13.1).
Ex 11 When accounting for the acquisition of the net assets and operations of one of its
competitors, an entity recognised future economic benefits arising from assets that
are not individually identified as assets (goodwill).
Because the assets that represent goodwill could not be individually identified they are
not recognised as individual intangible assets when accounting for the business
combination. Instead, they are collectively recognised as goodwill. Goodwill is
accounted for in accordance with Section 19 Business Combinations and Goodwill (see
paragraph 18.1).
Recognition
Notes
Paragraph 18.4 sets out the general principle for the recognition of intangible assets
developed from the concepts set out in paragraph 2.27 of Section 2 Concepts and Pervasive
Principles. Paragraphs 2.27 and 2.28 set out the overall principles for recognising
elements in the financial statements.
Paragraphs 18.5 to 18.8 provide guidance on how to apply the recognition principle in
a variety of circumstances. In accordance with these requirements, internally
generated intangible assets are not recognised (eg internally generated brands) because
it is often difficult to attribute expenditure directly to a particular intangible asset
rather than expenditure to develop the business as a whole.
General principle for recognising intangible assets

18.4 An entity shall apply the recognition criteria in paragraph 2.27 in determining whether to
recognise an intangible asset. Therefore, the entity shall recognise an intangible asset as
an asset if, and only if:
(a) it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the
asset will flow to the entity;
(b) the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably; and
(c) the asset does not result from expenditure incurred internally on an intangible item.
18.5 An entity shall assess the probability of expected future economic benefits using
reasonable and supportable assumptions that represent management’s best estimate of
the economic conditions that will exist over the useful life of the asset.
Note
An asset’s useful life is the period over which the asset is expected to be available for
use by the entity.
18.6 An entity uses judgement to assess the degree of certainty attached to the flow of future
economic benefits that are attributable to the use of the asset on the basis of the
evidence available at the time of initial recognition, giving greater weight to external
evidence.
18.7 The probability recognition criterion in paragraph 18.4(a) is always considered satisfied
for intangible assets that are separately acquired.
Examples – general recognition criteria
Ex 12 An entity developed a formula that it uses to manufacture a unique glue. The glue
is the leading adhesive product in the market because of its distinctive mix of
chemicals. The special formula is known only by the entity’s two owner-managers
and hence no competitors have been able to discover and replicate the formula.
The formula is not protected by a patent, or by other means. Many competitors
have approached the entity to try to purchase the formula.
The formula meets the definition of an intangible asset of the entity. It is identifiable
because it is capable of being separated from the entity and sold (ie it is separable). It is
non-monetary because it is neither currency held nor an asset receivable in a fixed or
determinable amount of money. It meets the definition of an asset of the entity
because, although the formula is not protected by legal rights, the entity has control
over the formula by keeping the formula a secret from its competitors.
However, in accordance with Section 18, internally generated intangible assets are not
recognised as assets (see paragraphs 18.4(c), 18.14 and 18.15).
Ex 13 An entity developed a successful brand that allows the entity to charge a premium
for its products. The entity continues to spend large amounts on maintaining the
brand and on developing the brand further (eg sponsoring local sports events,
sponsoring select cultural events and advertising the brand).
The costs incurred in developing the brand do not satisfy the recognition criteria in
paragraph 18.4. The expenditures incurred for sponsorships and advertising are not
recognised as an intangible asset. They cannot be distinguished from costs incurred in
respect of developing the business as a whole. The costs are recognised as an expense as
they are incurred (see paragraphs 18.4(c), 18.14 and 18.15).
Ex 14 An entity acquires a competitor’s brand in a separate acquisition for CU100,000 (2).

The entity uses the brand to charge a premium for the products that it
manufactures.
The entity recognises the brand acquired from its competitor as an intangible asset.
The CU100,000 incurred to acquire the brand satisfies the recognition criteria in
paragraph 18.4. (Note: the probability recognition criterion in paragraph 18.4(a) is
always considered as being satisfied for intangible assets that are separately acquired—
see paragraph 18.7).
Note: amounts incurred by the entity for maintaining and improving the brand will be
recognised as an expense as incurred (ie expenditures incurred for sponsorships and
advertising cannot be separated from costs incurred in respect of the business as a
whole—see paragraphs 18.4(c), 18.14 and 18.15).
(2)
In this example, and in all other examples in this module, monetary amounts are denominated in ‘currency units (CU)’.
Acquisition as part of a business combination

18.8 An intangible asset acquired in a business combination is normally recognised as an
asset because its fair value can be measured with sufficient reliability. However, an
intangible asset acquired in a business combination is not recognised when it arises from
legal or other contractual rights and its fair value cannot be measured reliably because
the asset either
(a) is not separable from goodwill, or
(b) is separable from goodwill but there is no history or evidence of exchange
transactions for the same or similar assets, and otherwise estimating fair value would
be dependent on immeasurable variables.
Examples – application of recognition principle – recognise separate asset
Ex 15 An entity acquired a number of marketing-related assets (trademarks, service

marks(3), collective marks(4) and certification marks (5)) in a business combination.
When it is protected legally (eg through registration with governmental agencies,
continuous use in commerce, or other means) a marketing-related asset (trademark,
service mark, collective mark and certification mark) is an intangible asset—it is an
identifiable (see paragraph 18.2(b)) non-monetary asset without physical substance (ie a
legal right).
Contractual-legal intangible assets (trademarks, service marks, collective marks and
certification marks) are recognised separately from goodwill in the accounting for the
business combination, unless their fair values cannot be measured reliably because
either they are not separable from goodwill, or they are separable from goodwill but
there is no history or evidence of exchange transactions for the same or similar assets,
and estimating fair value otherwise would be dependent on immeasurable variables (see
paragraph 18.8).
Ex 16 An entity acquired a registered Internet domain name (a unique alphanumeric

name that is used to identify a particular numeric Internet address used primarily
in the marketing or promotion of products and services) in a business combination.
Its registration is renewable.
Registration of the domain name creates an association between that name and a
designated computer on the Internet for the period of the registration. The registered
Internet domain name meets the contractual-legal criterion for identification as an
intangible asset (see paragraph 18.2(b)). Consequently, it is recognised separately from
goodwill in the accounting for the business combination, unless its fair value cannot be
measured reliably because either it is not separable from goodwill, or it is separable
from goodwill but there is no history or evidence of exchange transactions for the same
or similar assets, and estimating fair value otherwise would be dependent on
immeasurable variables (see paragraph 18.8).
(3)
A service mark identifies and distinguishes the source of a service rather than a product.
(4)
Collective marks are used to identify the goods or services of members of a group.
(5)
Certification marks are used to certify the geographical origin or other characteristics of a good or service.
Ex 17 An entity acquired a valuable customer list (a database that includes information

about customers, such as their names, contact information, order histories and
demographic information) in a business combination. The customer list does not
arise from contractual or other legal rights.
Customer lists are often leased or exchanged. Such customer lists acquired in a business
combination normally meet the separability criterion (see paragraph 18.2(a)).
Consequently, the customer list acquired in the business combination would be
recognised separately from goodwill in accordance with paragraph 18.8.
Ex 18 An entity acquired a collection of patented artistic-related intangible assets (plays,
books, song lyrics, paintings and films) in a business combination.
When it is protected legally (eg through patent) an artistic-related intangible asset
acquired in a business combination is an intangible asset that meets the
contractual-legal criterion.
Contractual-legal intangible assets are recognised separately from goodwill in the
accounting for the business combination, unless their fair values cannot be measured
reliably because either they are not separable from goodwill or they are separable from
goodwill but there is no history or evidence of exchange transactions for the same or
similar assets, and estimating fair value otherwise would be dependent on
immeasurable variables.
Ex 19 An entity acquired two databases (a collection of information stored in electronic

form) in a business combination. Database A includes original works of authorship
and is copyright-protected. Database B contains information created as a
consequence of an entity’s research (scientific data that is not copyright-protected).
Database A meets the contractual-legal criterion for identification as an intangible
asset—it is protected by copyright. This database is recognised separately from goodwill
in the accounting for the business combination, unless its fair value cannot be measured
reliably because either it is not separable from goodwill or it is separable from goodwill
but there is no history or evidence of exchange transactions for the same or similar
assets, and estimating fair value otherwise would be dependent on immeasurable
variables.
Database B does not meet the contractual-legal criterion for identification as an
intangible asset—it is not protected by copyright. Even though the future economic
benefits from the database do not arise from legal rights, it is identified as a separate
intangible asset—it meets the separability criterion in paragraph 18.2(a) because such
databases can be, and often are, exchanged, licensed or leased to others in their entirety
or in part. Consequently, in accordance with paragraph 18.8, Database B would be
accounted for as a separate intangible asset acquired in the business combination.
Ex 20 An entity acquired computer software in a business combination. Some of the

software is patented. However, some of the software is internally developed and is
not patented.
The patented software meets the contractual-legal criterion for identification as an
intangible asset (because it is protected by patent). It is recognised separately from
goodwill in the accounting for the business combination, unless its fair value cannot be
measured reliably because either it is not separable from goodwill, or it is separable

from goodwill but there is no history or evidence of exchange transactions for the same
or similar assets, and estimating fair value otherwise would be dependent on
immeasurable variables.
Unpatented software does not meet the contractual-legal criterion for identification as
an intangible asset—it is not patent-protected. Even though the future economic
benefits from the unpatented software does not arise from legal rights, it is identified as
a separate intangible asset—it meets the separability criterion in paragraph 18.2(a)
because such software can be, and often is, exchanged, licensed or leased to others in its
entirety or in part. In such cases, in accordance with paragraph 18.8, the unpatented
software would be accounted for as a separate intangible asset acquired in the business
combination.
Ex 21 An entity acquired two trade secrets (secret recipes) in a business combination.

Recipe A is patented. Recipe B is not legally protected.
Recipe A meets the contractual-legal criterion for identification as an intangible asset
(because it is protected by patent). This recipe is recognised separately from goodwill in
the accounting for the business combination, unless its fair value cannot be measured
reliably because either it is not separable from goodwill, or it is separable from goodwill
but there is no history or evidence of exchange transactions for the same or similar
assets, and estimating fair value otherwise would be dependent on immeasurable
variables.
Because it is not patented protected, Recipe B does not meet the contractual-legal
criterion for identification as an intangible asset. Even though the future economic
benefits from the unpatented recipe do not arise from legal rights, it is identified as a
separate intangible asset because it meets the separability criterion in paragraph
18.2(a)—such software can be, and often is, exchanged, licensed or leased to others in its
entirety or in part. In such cases, in accordance with paragraph 18.8, the unpatented
recipe would be accounted for as a separate intangible asset acquired in the business
combination.
Ex 22 An entity acquired an order (or production) backlog in a business combination.

An order (or production) backlog acquired in a business combination meets the
contractual-legal criterion (it arises from contracts such as orders from customers) for
identification as an intangible asset. This is the case even if the purchase or sales orders
are cancellable. It is separately recognised in the accounting for the business
combination, unless its fair value cannot be measured reliably because either it is not
separable from goodwill, or it is separable from goodwill but there is no history or
evidence of exchange transactions for the same or similar assets, and estimating fair
value otherwise would be dependent on immeasurable variables.
Ex 23 An entity acquired customer contracts and the related customer relationships in a

business combination.
Because the relationships with the customers are established through contracts, those
customer relationships arise from contractual rights. Consequently, customer contracts
and the related customer relationships acquired in the business combination meet the
contractual-legal criterion for identification as intangible assets. This will be the case
even if confidentiality or other contractual terms prohibit the sale or transfer of a
contract separately from the acquired entity or business.
Customer relationships also meet the contractual-legal criterion for identification as
intangible assets when an entity has a practice of establishing contracts with its
customers, regardless of whether a contract exists at the acquisition date.
The customer contracts and the related customer relationships are recognised separately
from goodwill in the accounting for the business combination unless the fair value
cannot be measured reliably because either they are not separable from goodwill, or
they are separable from goodwill but there is no history or evidence of exchange
transactions for the same or similar assets, and estimating fair value otherwise would be
dependent on immeasurable variables.
Ex 24 An entity acquired several non-contractual customer relationships in a business

combination.
If a customer relationship acquired in a business combination does not arise from a
contract, the relationship is an intangible asset if it meets the separability criterion.
Exchange transactions for the same asset, or for a similar asset, provide evidence of
separability of a non-contractual customer relationship and may also provide
information about exchange prices to consider when measuring fair value.
The non-contractual customer relationships are recognised separately from goodwill in
the accounting for the business combination, provided that they are separable.
Ex 25 Acquirer Company (AC) acquires Target Company (TC) in a business combination on

31 December 20X5. TC manufactures goods in two distinct lines of business:
sporting goods and electronics. Customer A purchases both sporting goods and
electronics from TC. TC has a contract with Customer A to be its exclusive provider
of sporting goods but has no contract for the supply of electronics to Customer A.
Both TC and AC believe that only one overall customer relationship exists between
TC and Customer A.
The contract to be Customer A’s exclusive supplier of sporting goods, whether
cancellable or not, meets the contractual-legal criterion for identification as an
intangible asset, and is therefore recognised separately from goodwill, unless its fair
value cannot be measured reliably because either it is not separable from goodwill, or it
is separable from goodwill but there is no history or evidence of exchange transactions
for the same or similar assets, and estimating fair value otherwise would be dependent
on immeasurable variables. Additionally, because TC establishes its relationship with
Customer A through a contract, the customer relationship with Customer A meets the
contractual-legal criterion for identification as an intangible asset. Consequently, the
customer relationship intangible asset is also recognised separately from goodwill,
unless its fair value cannot be measured reliably because either it is not separable from
goodwill, or it is separable from goodwill but there is no history or evidence of exchange
transactions for the same or similar assets, and estimating fair value otherwise would be
dependent on immeasurable variables. Because TC has only one customer relationship
with Customer A, the fair value of that relationship incorporates assumptions about TC’s
relationship with Customer A related to both sporting goods and electronics. However,
if AC determines that the customer relationships with Customer A for sporting goods
and for electronics are separate from each other, AC would assess whether the customer
relationship for electronics meets the separability criterion for identification as an
intangible asset.
Ex 26 AC acquires TC in a business combination on 31 December 20X5. TC does business

with its customers solely through purchase and sales orders. At 31 December 20X5
TC has a backlog of customer purchase orders from 60 per cent of its customers, all
of whom are recurring customers. The other 40 per cent of TC’s customers are also
recurring customers. However, as of 31 December 20X5 TC has no open purchase
orders or other contracts with those customers.
Regardless of whether they are cancellable or not, the purchase orders from 60 per cent
of TC’s customers meet the contractual-legal criterion for identification as intangible
assets, and are therefore recognised separately from goodwill, unless its fair value
cannot be measured reliably because either it is not separable from goodwill, or it is
separable from goodwill but there is no history or evidence of exchange transactions for
the same or similar assets, and estimating fair value otherwise would be dependent on
immeasurable variables. Additionally, because TC has established its relationship with
60 per cent of its customers through contracts, not only the purchase orders but also
TC’s customer relationships meet the contractual-legal criterion for identification as an
intangible asset. Consequently, the customer relationship intangible asset is also
recognised separately from goodwill unless its fair value cannot be measured reliably
because either it is not separable from goodwill or it is separable from goodwill but
there is no history or evidence of exchange transactions for the same or similar assets,
and otherwise estimating fair value would be dependent on immeasurable variables
Because TC has a practice of establishing contracts with the remaining 40 per cent of its
customers, its relationship with those customers also arises through contractual rights
and therefore meets the contractual-legal criterion for identification as an intangible
asset. Even though TC does not have contracts with those customers at 31 December
20X5, it recognises this customer relationship separately from goodwill, unless its fair
value cannot be measured reliably because either it is not separable from goodwill or it
is separable from goodwill but there is no history or evidence of exchange transactions
for the same or similar assets, and otherwise estimating fair value would be dependent
on immeasurable variables.
Example – application of recognition principle – cannot recognise separately
Ex 27 A group acquired water acquisition rights as part of a business combination.

The rights are extremely valuable to many manufacturers operating in the same
jurisdiction becuase manufacturers cannot acquire water and, in many cases,
cannot operate their plants without them. Local authorities grant the rights at
little or no cost, but in limited numbers, for fixed periods (normally 10 years), and
renewal is certain at little or no cost. The rights cannot be sold other than as part
of the sale of a business as a whole, so there exists no secondary market in the
rights. If a manufacturer hands the rights back to the local authority, it is
prohibited from reapplying.
In this case because the legal rights cannot be measured separately from the business as
a whole (and therefore from goodwill) the businesses would cease to exist without the
rights. Therefore, the legal rights would not be accounted for as a separate intangible
asset acquired in the business combination because the fair value cannot be measured
reliably because the legal rights cannot be separated from goodwill.
Initial measurement
18.9 An entity shall measure an intangible asset initially at cost.
Note
Paragraphs 18.10–18.16 provide application guidance for the determination of the cost
of an intangible asset in a variety of circumstances.
Separate acquisition
18.10 The cost of a separately acquired intangible asset comprises:
(a) its purchase price, including import duties and non-refundable purchase taxes, after
deducting trade discounts and rebates, and
(b) any directly attributable cost of preparing the asset for its intended use.
Notes
Examples of directly attributable costs of preparing the asset for its intended use are:
• costs of employee benefits (as defined in Section 28 Employee Benefits) arising
directly from bringing the asset to its working condition;
• professional fees arising directly from bringing the asset to its working
condition; and
• costs of testing whether the asset is functioning properly.
Examples of expenditures that are not part of the cost of an intangible asset are:
• costs of introducing a new product or service (including costs of advertising
and promotional activities);
• costs of conducting business in a new location or with a new class of customer
(including costs of staff training); and
• administration and other general overhead costs.
Recognition of costs in the carrying amount of an intangible asset ceases when the
asset is in the condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner
intended by management. Consequently, costs incurred in using or redeploying an
intangible asset are not included in the carrying amount of that asset.
Example – measurement of intangible assets acquired separately
Ex 28 On 1 January 20X1 an entity purchased a new software package to operate its

production equipment for CU600,000, including CU50,000 refundable purchase
taxes. The purchase price was funded by incurring a loan of CU605,000 (including
CU5,000 loan origination fees). The loan is secured against the software licences.
In January 20X1 the entity incurred the following costs in customising the software
so that it is more suited to the systems used by the entity:
• Labour – CU120,000
• Depreciation of plant and equipment used to perform the modifications –
CU15,000.
In January 20X1 the entity’s production staff were trained in how to operate the
new software. Training costs included:
• Cost of an expert external instructor – CU7,000
• Labour – CU3,000.
In February 20X1 the entity’s production team tested the software and the
information technology team made further modifications necessary to get the new
software to function as intended by management. The following costs were
incurred in the testing phase:
• Material, net of CU3,000 recovered from the sale of the scrapped output –
CU21,000
• Labour – CU11,000
• Depreciation of plant and equipment while it was used to perform the
modifications – CU5,000.
The new software was ready for use on 1 March 20X1. However, because of low
initial order levels, the entity incurred a loss of CU23,000 on operating the software
during March.
What is the cost of the software at initial recognition?
Description Calculation or reason CU Reference to
IFRS for SMEs
Purchase price CU600,000 purchase price less CU50,000 550,000 18.10(a)
refundable purchase taxes
Loan raising fee Included in the measurement of the liability – 11.18
Preparation costs CU120,000 labour + CU15,000 depreciation 135,000 18.10(b)
Training costs Recognised as expenses in profit or loss. – 5.4 & 18.15(c)
The software is capable of operating in the
manner intended by management without
incurring the training costs.
Cost of testing CU21,000 material (ie net of the CU3,000 37,000 18.10(b)
recovered from the sale of the scrapped
output) + CU11,000 labour + CU5,000
depreciation
Operating loss Recognised as expenses in profit or loss – 5.4 & 18.15(b)
Borrowing costs Recognised as expenses in profit or loss – 25.2
Cost of software 722,000
Acquisition as part of a business combination

18.11 If an intangible asset is acquired in a business combination, the cost of that intangible
asset is its fair value at the acquisition date.
Notes
A quoted price for an identical asset in an active market provides the most reliable
estimate of the fair value of an intangible asset. The appropriate market price is
usually the current bid price. If current bid prices are unavailable, the price of the
most recent similar transaction may provide a basis from which to measure fair value,
provided that there has not been a significant change in economic circumstances
between the transaction date and the date at which the asset’s fair value is measured.
It is uncommon for an active market to exist for an intangible asset, although this may
happen. For example, in some jurisdictions, an active market may exist for freely
transferable taxi licences, fishing licences or production quotas. However, an active
market cannot exist for brands, newspaper mastheads, music and film publishing
rights, patents or trademarks, because each such asset is unique.
If no active market exists for an intangible asset, its fair value is the amount that the
entity would have paid for the asset, at the acquisition date, in an arm’s length
transaction between knowledgeable and willing parties, on the basis of the best
information available. In estimating this amount, an entity considers the outcome of
recent transactions for similar assets.
In addition, although intangible assets are occasionally bought and sold, contracts are
normally negotiated between individual buyers and sellers, and so such transactions
are relatively infrequent. As a result, it is difficult to find transactions in identical
and similar intangible assets. Also, many intangible assets are unique, so the price
paid for one asset may not provide sufficient evidence of the fair value of another, even
if the assets have some similarities (eg similar intended uses, similar cash flows etc).
Moreover, prices are often not available to the public since many transactions are
carried out privately.
In addition, making adjustments to observable prices so that they can be used to assess
the value of the subject asset can be highly subjective.
Accordingly, it is expected that in the majority of cases, the fair value of an intangible
asset will need to be measured using valuation techniques. Valuation techniques may
be used to measure the fair value of an intangible asset acquired in a business
combination if the valuation technique reflects current transactions and practices in
the industry to which the asset belongs and current market conditions. These
techniques include, for example:
(a) discounting estimated future net cash flows from the asset; or
(b) estimating the costs that the entity avoids by owning intangible assets and not
needing (i) to license it from another party in an arm’s length transaction (as
‘relief from royalty’ approach, using discounted net cash flows); or

(ii) to recreate or replace it (as in the cost approach).
When measuring fair value is complex, entities may need to use external valuation
specialists.
Example – measurement of intangible assets acquired in a business

combination
Ex 29 On 1 January 20X1 an entity (the acquirer) acquired all of the issued shares of a
competitor (the acquiree) when the acquiree’s intangible assets were:
Carrying amounts Fair values
CU CU
Customer list – 50,000
In-process research and development project – 80,000
Licence to operate 100,000 150,000
Brand, including trademark and brand name – 300,000
In 20X1 the acquirer incurred CU200,000 in additional expenditure to complete the

acquired in-process research and development project and subsequently decides to
develop the related product commercially.
On 1 January 20X1 the consolidated entity—the acquirer and the acquiree viewed as a
single entity—will include intangible assets as follows:
CU
Customer list 50,000
In-process research and development project 80,000
Licence to operate 150,000
Brand, including trademark and brand name 300,000
Cost of intangibles assets 580,000
Although the acquired in-process research and development is recognised as an

intangible asset because it was acquired in a business combination, the subsequent
expenditure of CU200,000 is treated in the same way as expenditure to create an
internally generated intangible asset (ie it is recognised as an expense when incurred—
see paragraph 18.14).
Acquisition by way of a government grant

18.12 If an intangible asset is acquired by way of a government grant, the cost of that
intangible asset is its fair value at the date the grant is received or receivable in
accordance with Section 24 Government Grants.
Example – measurement of intangible assets acquired by way of a

government grant
Ex 30 On 1 January 20X1 a local government issued three identical licences to broadcast

in a particular city for a ten-year period. Two licences were sold by public auction
to independent third parties from outside the local community. In an attempt to
develop local ownership, the third licence was given to a local entity free of charge.
The fair value of each broadcasting licence is CU100,000. The grant does not
impose specified future performance conditions.
In accordance with Section 24 Government Grants, the local entity that received the third
broadcasting licence shall measure the licence (the intangible asset acquired by way of
government grant) at CU100,000 (its fair value) on initial recognition and recognise the
grant of CU100,000 in income (see paragraphs 24.4(a) and 24.5).
Exchanges of assets
18.13 An intangible asset may be acquired in exchange for a non-monetary asset or assets, or
a combination of monetary and non-monetary assets. An entity shall measure the cost of
such an intangible asset at fair value unless (a) the exchange transaction lacks
commercial substance or (b) the fair value of neither the asset received nor the asset
given up is reliably measurable. In that case, the asset’s cost is measured at the
carrying amount of the asset given up.
Examples – measurement of intangible assets acquired in an exchange of

assets
Ex 31 On 1 January 20X1 an entity received landing rights at a local airport in exchange

for 100 ounces of gold, when gold was trading at CU1,000 per ounce.
The landing rights received (the intangible asset acquired in the exchange transaction)
must be measured at CU100,000 (their fair value) on initial recognition. Because there is
an active market for gold, the fair value of the landing rights received is most easily
determined by reference to the fair value of the gold given up in the exchange
transaction (ie 100 ounces × CU1,000 per ounce).
Ex 32 On 1 January 20X1 an entity received landing rights at a local airport in exchange

for 90,000 litres of aviation fuel and CU10,000 cash. Aviation fuel costs CU1 per
litre.
The landing rights received (the intangible asset acquired in the exchange transaction)
must be measured at CU100,000 (their fair value) on initial recognition. The fair value of
the landing rights is determined by reference to the fair values of the aviation fuel
CU90,000 (ie 90,000 litres × CU1 per litre) plus CU10,000 cash given up in the exchange
transaction.
Ex 33 Entities A and B manufacture chemicals in jurisdictions A and B, respectively.

On 1 January 20X1 entities A and B extended their respective product ranges by
granting each other the right to manufacture each other’s patented products in
their respective home jurisdictions. Assume that the fair value of neither the asset
received nor the asset given up can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of
the patented rights given up by entities A and B in the exchange transaction was
CU100 and CU200 respectively.
The trademark received (the intangible asset acquired in the exchange transaction) must
be measured on initial recognition at CU100 and CU200 by entities A and B, respectively
(ie it is measured at the carrying amount of the asset given up in the exchange
transaction).
Internally generated intangible assets

18.14 An entity shall recognise expenditure incurred internally on an intangible item, including
all expenditure for both research and development activities, as an expense when it is
incurred unless it forms part of the cost of another asset that meets the recognition
criteria in this IFRS.
Notes
The research phase includes the original and planned investigation undertaken with
the prospect of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding.
Examples of research activities are:
• activities aimed at obtaining new knowledge;
• the search for, evaluation and final selection of applications of research
findings or other knowledge;
• the search for alternatives for materials, devices, products, processes, systems
or services; and
• the formulation, design, evaluation and final selection of possible alternatives
for new or improved materials, devices, products, processes, systems or services.
The development phase includes the application of research findings or other
knowledge to a plan or design for the production of new or substantially improved
materials, devices, products, processes, systems or services before the start of
commercial production or use. Examples of development activities are:
• the design, construction and testing of pre-production or pre-use prototypes
and models;
• the design of tools, jigs, moulds and dies involving new technology;
• the design, construction and operation of a pilot plant that is not of a scale that
would be economically viable for commercial production; and
• the design, construction and testing of a chosen alternative for new or
improved materials, devices, products, processes, systems or services.
Expenditures on both research and development activities are recognised as an expense
when incurred, unless they form part of the cost of another asset that meets the
recognition criteria in another section of the IFRS for SMEs.
18.15 As examples of applying the preceding paragraph, an entity shall recognise expenditure
on the following items as an expense and shall not recognise such expenditure as
intangible assets:
(a) internally generated brands, logos, publishing titles, customer lists and items similar in
substance.
(b) start-up activities (ie start-up costs), which include establishment costs such as legal
and secretarial costs incurred in establishing a legal entity, expenditure to open a new
facility or business (ie pre-opening costs) and expenditure for starting new operations
or launching new products or processes (ie pre-operating costs).
(c) training activities.
(d) advertising and promotional activities.
(e) relocating or reorganising part or all of an entity.
(f) internally generated goodwill.
Examples – expenditures recognised as an expense or as an intangible asset
Ex 34 In 20X1 a candle manufacturer incurred the following expenses on raw materials

and labour to invent a new wax that enables candles to burn for substantially
longer:
• CU1,000 on experimenting with chemicals to discover enhanced wax compounds
• CU3,000 to evaluate the suitability of the different wax compounds invented
• CU1,500 to patent registration costs for the most effective wax compound
discovered
• CU2,300 to develop and test the pre-production prototypes
• CU5,000 on an initial commercial production run (half of the output was sold by
the end of the reporting period—31 December 20X1)
• CU 2,000 on advertising the new product.
The following amounts will be recognised as expenses in the determination of the
entity’s profit or loss for the year ended 31 December 20X1:
• CU6,300 for research and development costs (ie CU1,000 experimentation costs +
CU3,000 evaluation costs + CU2,300 development and testing costs)
• CU2,500 for cost of goods sold (ie CU5,000 ÷ 2 half of the goods produced were sold
during the reporting period)
• CU2,000 for selling expenses (ie advertising costs).
Furthermore:
• An intangible asset must be recognised at a cost of CU1,500 for the acquired patent.
The patent qualifies for recognition even though it was purchased as part of the
creation of internally generated intangible assets. This is because paragraph 18.4(a) is
always considered satisfied for intangible assets that are separately acquired. The
patent would be amortised in accordance with paragraphs 18.18–18.24. If there is any
indication that the patent is impaired at the reporting date, it must be tested for
impairment in accordance with Section 27 Impairment of Assets.
• at 31 December 20X1 inventory (asset) includes CU2,500 cost of production (ie CU5,000
÷ 2 because half of the goods produced were on hand at the end of the reporting
period). The CU2,500 includes material and labour costs only. Consequently, the cost
of the inventory is increased to include a systematic allocation of fixed and variable
production overheads (see Section 13 Inventories).
Ex 35 An entity has established a substantial list of customers over time. The list is
considered to be very valuable to the entity.
On 1 January 20X1 the entity acquired a customer list from another entity for
CU100,000. Management could sell the externally acquired customer list to third
parties. In 20X1 the entity estimates that it incurred a further CU10,000 staff costs
in maintaining and developing this externally acquired customer list.
The entity may not recognise an intangible asset for the internally generated customer
list, because Section 18 specifically prohibits an entity from recognising internally
generated intangible assets (see paragraph 18.15(a)). The costs of establishing the list
cannot be distinguished from the cost of developing the business as a whole.
The externally acquired customer list must be measured at CU100,000 on initial
recognition because it meets the recognition criteria in paragraph 18.4. Note that the
list meets the definition of an intangible asset because it is separable (it can be sold to a
third party).
However, the additional CU10,000 incurred in maintaining and developing the
externally acquired customer list must be recognised as an expense in the determination
of profit or loss for the year. Subsequent expenditure on customer lists (whether
externally acquired or internally generated) is always recognised in profit or loss as
incurred (see paragraph 18.14). This is because such expenditure cannot be
distinguished from expenditure to develop the business as a whole and hence does not
satisfy the recognition criteria in paragraph 18.4.
Ex 36 On 20 February 20X1 an entity held an event to officially open its new retail outlet.
The event cost CU20,000 and generated much favourable publicity. In February
20X1, before the new retail outlet was opened, the entity hired and trained new
sales staff at a cost of CU30,000.
The cost of the pre-opening staff training and the opening function must be recognised
as expenses in the determination of profit of the period in which the expenses were
incurred (see paragraph 18.15(b) and (c)).
Ex 37 On 31 December 20X1 an entity placed an advertisement for its products in a local

newspaper. The newspaper advertisement cost the entity CU20,000 which the
entity paid on 1 December 20X1. Although the advertisement will only appear in
the 31 December 20X1 newspaper, the entity expects that the advertisement will
continue to generate additional sales of its products in January 20X2.
The entity has a 31 December year-end.
The cost of the newspaper advertisement (CU20,000) must be recognised as an expense in

the determination of profit for the period ended 31 December 20X1 (ie when the
advertisement was published (see paragraph 18.15(d)). It cannot be deferred and
recognised as an expense over the period of additional sales.
Ex 38 In June 20X1 an entity employed external consultants at a cost of CU20,000 to

reorganise its internal operating policies and procedures. The reorganisation will
take three months and is expected to reduce operating costs significantly for the
foreseeable future.
The costs of reorganisation must be recognised as an expense in the determination of
profit or loss in the period in which the external consultants provide their services (ie in
the year ended 20X1), rather than during the period in which the entity expects to
benefit from reduced operating costs. The expenditure does not qualify to be recognised
as an intangible asset (see paragraph 18.15(e)).
18.16 Paragraph 18.15 does not preclude recognising a prepayment as an asset when payment
for goods or services has been made in advance of the delivery of the goods or the
rendering of the services.
Example – prepayments
Ex 39 On 31 December 20X1 an entity paid CU10,000 for a full page advertisement

featuring the entity’s products in a local newspaper. The advertisement will appear
in the 20 January 20X2 edition of the local newspaper. The entity has a 31
December financial year-end.
As at 31 December 20X1 the entity must present the CU10,000 advertising costs paid to
the local newspaper in advance as an asset (prepaid expense). The prepayment asset will
be recognised as an expense on 20 January 20X2 when the advertisement is featured in
the local newspaper (ie the service is received).
The advertising expenditure does not qualify to be recognised as an intangible asset at
any time (see paragraph 18.15(d)).
Past expenses not to be recognised as an asset

18.17 Expenditure on an intangible item that was initially recognised as an expense shall not be
recognised at a later date as part of the cost of an asset.
Measurement after recognition

18.18 An entity shall measure intangible assets at cost less any accumulated amortisation and
any accumulated impairment losses. The requirements for amortisation are set out in
this section. The requirements for recognition of impairment are set out in Section 27
Impairment of Assets.
Example – measurement after initial recognition
Ex 40 On 1 January 20X1 an entity acquired a franchise licence for CU500,000.

Management measured the amortisation of the licence at CU100,000 per year.
At 31 December 20X3 in response to the entry into the market of a competing
franchisor the entity assessed the recoverable amount of the franchise licence at
CU180,000.
Description Calculation or reason CU Reference to

IFRS for SMEs
Cost Purchase price at 1 January 20X1 500,000 18.10(a)
Amortisation in 20X1 CU500,000 depreciable amount ÷ 5 years (100,000) 18.22 and 18.23
Carrying amount at CU500,000 cost less CU100,000
31 December 20X1 accumulated amortisation 400,000 18.18
Amortisation in 20X2 (100,000) 18.22 and 18.23
Carrying amount at CU500,000 cost less CU200,000
31 December 20X2 accumulated amortisation 300,000 18.18
Amortisation in 20X3 (100,000) 18.22 and 18.23
Carrying amount at
31 December 20X3 CU500,000 cost less CU300,000
before impairment accumulated amortisation 200,000 18.18
CU200,000 carrying amount before
impairment less CU180,000 recoverable
Impairment amount (20,000) 18.25
Carrying amount at
31 December 20X3
after impairment Impaired to recoverable amount 180,000 18.18
Amortisation over useful life

18.19 For the purpose of this IFRS, all intangible assets shall be considered to have a finite
useful life. The useful life of an intangible asset that arises from contractual or other legal
rights shall not exceed the period of the contractual or other legal rights, but may be
shorter depending on the period over which the entity expects to use the asset. If the
contractual or other legal rights are conveyed for a limited term that can be renewed, the
useful life of the intangible asset shall include the renewal period(s) only if there is
evidence to support renewal by the entity without significant cost.
Notes
The useful life of an asset is:

• the period over which an asset is expected to be available for use by an entity;
or
• the number of production or similar units expected to be obtained from the
asset by an entity.
An intangible asset’s useful life is not necessarily the same as its economic life.
An asset’s economic life is the period during which the asset produces economic
benefits, no matter who uses those benefits at the time. The useful life is the period
when the asset is used by the entity. If the entity has an intangible asset that has an
economic life of ten years, but the entity intends to sell the asset after six years, the
useful life will be six years and not ten years. It would be necessary to estimate the
residual value at the end of six years.
Many factors are considered in determining the useful life of an intangible asset,
including:
• the expected usage of the asset by the entity;
• typical product life cycles for the asset and public information about estimates
of useful lives of similar assets that are used in a similar way;
• technical, technological, commercial or other types of obsolescence;
• the stability of the industry in which the asset operates and changes in the
market demand for the products or services output from the asset;
• expected actions by competitors or potential competitors;
• the level of maintenance expenditure required to obtain the expected future
economic benefits from the asset and the entity’s ability and intention to
achieve such a level;
• the period of control over the asset and legal or similar limits on the use of the
asset, such as the expiry dates of related leases; and
• whether the useful life of the asset is dependent on the useful life of other
assets of the entity.
The useful life of an intangible asset does not reflect planned future expenditure in
excess of that required to maintain the intangible asset at its standard of performance
assessed at the time of estimating the asset’s useful life. The useful life reflects the
level of future maintenance expenditure required to maintain the asset at its standard
of performance assessed, provided that the entity has the ability and intention to carry
out such maintenance.
Given the history of rapid changes in technology, computer software and many other
intangible assets are susceptible to technological obsolescence. Consequently, it is
likely that their useful life is short.
If there is an indication that the useful life of an intangible asset has changed since the
most recent reporting date then, in accordance with paragraph 18.24, the entity
reviews its estimates of the assets useful life and accounts for any change therein as a
change in accounting estimate prospectively in accordance with paragraph 10.16.
18.20 If an entity is unable to make a reliable estimate of the useful life of an intangible asset,
the life shall be presumed to be ten years.
Examples – determination of the useful life of an intangible asset
Ex 41 An entity acquires a computer program under licence for five years—the shortest
licence period offered by the licensor. The entity expects to use the software for
only the first three years of the licence period, while it develops its own bespoke
(custom-made) software.
The best estimate of the useful life of the software held under licence is 3 years. The fact
that the entity has the right to use the software for five years does not extend its useful
life beyond the period over which the entity expects to use the asset.
Ex 42 An entity in the business of direct-mail marketing acquires a customer list and

expects that it will be able to derive benefit from the information on the list for at
least one year, but no more than three years. The entity intends to add customer
names and other information to the list in the future as it expands the business.
Management must determine their best estimate of the useful life of the customer list,
which may be, for example, 18 months. Although the entity may intend to add
customer names and other information to the list in the future, the expected benefits of
the acquired customer list relate only to the customers on that list at the date it was
acquired.
Ex 43 An entity acquired an airline route authority between two cities. The route
authority expires in three years. The route authority may be renewed every five
years, and the acquiring entity intends to comply with the applicable rules and
regulations about renewals. Route authority renewals are routinely granted at a
minimal cost and historically have been renewed when the airline has complied
with the applicable rules and regulations. The acquiring entity expects to provide
service indefinitely between the two cities from its hub airports and expects that
the related supporting infrastructure (eg airport gates, slots and terminal facility
leases) will remain in place at those airports for as long as it has the route
authority. An analysis of demand and cash flows supports those assumptions.
Because the facts and circumstances support the acquiring entity’s ability to continue
providing air service indefinitely between the two cities, the entity may be unable to
make a reliable estimate of the useful life of the intangible asset. Consequently, the
useful life is presumed to be 10 years (see paragraph 18.20).
Ex 44 An entity acquired a broadcasting licence that expires in five years. Thereafter

the broadcasting licence is renewable every ten years, on condition that the entity
provides at least an average level of service to its customers and complies with the
relevant legislative requirements. The licence may be renewed indefinitely at little
cost and has been renewed twice before the most recent acquisition. The acquiring
entity intends to renew the licence indefinitely and evidence supports its ability to
do so. Historically, there has been no compelling challenge to the licence renewal.
The technology used in broadcasting is not expected to be replaced by another
technology at any time in the foreseeable future. Consequently, the licence is
expected to contribute to the entity’s net cash inflows indefinitely.
Because the facts and circumstances support the acquiring entity’s ability to continue
renewing the broadcasting licence so as to contribute to the entity’s net cash inflows
indefinitely, the entity may be unable to make a reliable estimate of the useful life of the
intangible asset. Consequently, the useful life is presumed to be 10 years (see paragraph
18.20).
Ex 45 The facts are the same as in example 44. However, the licensing authority
subsequently decides that it will no longer renew broadcasting licences, but instead
will auction the licences. At the time that the licensing authority’s decision is
made, the entity’s broadcasting licence has three years until it expires. The entity
expects that the licence will continue to contribute to net cash inflows until the
licence expires.
Because the broadcasting licence can no longer be renewed, its useful life is no longer
presumed to be 10 years. The useful life of the acquired licence would be re-estimated
and the entity would conclude that it is the remaining three years until expiration.
Note: the change in the legal environment is an impairment indicator and hence the
licence must be tested for impairment in accordance with Section 27 Impairment of Assets.
Amortisation period and amortisation method

18.21 An entity shall allocate the depreciable amount of an intangible asset on a systematic
basis over its useful life. The amortisation charge for each period shall be recognised as
an expense, unless another section of this IFRS requires the cost to be recognised as
part of the cost of an asset such as inventories or property, plant and equipment.
18.22 Amortisation begins when the intangible asset is available for use, ie when it is in the
location and condition necessary for it to be usable in the manner intended by
management. Amortisation ceases when the asset is derecognised. The entity shall
choose an amortisation method that reflects the pattern in which it expects to consume
the asset’s future economic benefits. If the entity cannot determine that pattern reliably, it
shall use the straight-line method.
Notes – amortisation of an intangible asset
Depreciable amount
The depreciable amount of an intangible asset with a finite useful life is its cost, or
other amount substituted for cost (in the financial statements), less its residual value.
The depreciable amount is usually cost less residual value. Another amount may be
substituted for cost when an entity used fair value or a previous GAAP revaluation as a
deemed cost for an intangible asset on first-time adoption of the IFRS for SMEs (see
paragraphs 35.10(c) and 35.10(d) of Section 35 Transition to the IFRS for SMEs).
Residual value
The residual value of an intangible asset is the estimated amount that an entity would
currently obtain from disposal of the asset, after deducting the estimated costs of
disposal, if the asset were already of the age and in the condition expected at the end
of its useful life. However, the useful life of an intangible asset is zero unless
particular criteria are satisfied (see paragraph 18.23).
Amortisation period
Amortisation begins when the asset is available for use, which is not necessarily the
date at which the intangible asset is brought into use. Amortisation of an intangible
asset does not cease when the intangible asset is no longer used, unless the asset has
been fully amortised or has been derecognised.
Amortisation method
The entity must choose an amortisation method that reflects the pattern in which it
expects to consume the asset’s future economic benefits. If the entity cannot
determine that pattern reliably, it must use the straight-line method.
What does the IASB mean by ‘the pattern in which it expects to consume the asset’s
future economic benefits’? Every asset on an entity’s statement of financial position
represents a bundle of future economic benefits. Those benefits may be direct, as in
the case of cash flows from a financial instrument, or indirect, as in the case of benefits
derived from an item of office furniture. With intangible assets the objective of the
amortisation method is to approximate the pattern in which the bundle of economic
benefits diminishes over time. There are several methods that can be used to allocate
amortisation over the asset’s estimated useful life. The three most common methods
are:
• The straight-line method: the asset’s depreciable amount is allocated evenly
over its useful life. Hence, straight-line amortisation results in a constant
amortisation charge over the useful life of the asset. The straight-line basis is
the default method. It is also the most appropriate method where the future
economic benefits are consumed over time (eg it is often appropriate for
licences and franchises).
• The reducing balance (diminishing balance) method: the annual amortisation
charge is a fixed percentage of the opening carrying amount. This results in
more amortisation in earlier years than under the straight-line basis. It would
be appropriate if future benefits from the intangible asset are expected to be
greater in the earlier years of the asset’s expected useful life (eg this may be the
case for an acquired customer relationship intangible asset).
• The unit of production method: the asset’s depreciable amount is allocated
over its useful life based on the asset’s usage, activity or units produced instead
of the passage of time.
Recognition of amortisation
Amortisation is usually recognised in profit or loss. However, sometimes the future

economic benefits embodied in an asset are consumed in producing other assets.
In this case, the amortisation charge constitutes part of the cost of the other asset and
is included in that other asset’s carrying amount. For example, the amortisation of
intangible assets used in a production process is included in the carrying amount of
inventories (see Section 13 Inventories).
Examples – amortisation of an intangible asset
Ex 46 The facts are the same as in example 42—an entity in the business of direct-mail
marketing acquires a customer list and expects that it will be able to derive benefit
from the information on the list for at least one year, but no more than three years.
The entity intends to add customer names and other information to the list in the
future as it expands the business.
If diminishing returns are expected from using the customer list over management’s
best estimate of its useful life (ie 18 months), the reducing balance method of
amortisation would be used.
If the entity cannot reliably determine the pattern in which it expects to consume the
customer list’s future economic benefits then it would amortise the customer list using
the straight-line method over 18 months (ie management’s best estimate of its useful
life).
The amortisation charge (expense) is recognised in profit or loss.
The entity must assess at each reporting date whether there is any indication that the
customer list is impaired. If any such indication exists, the entity shall review the
customer list for impairment in accordance with Section 27 Impairment of Assets (see
paragraph 18.18).
Ex 47 The facts are the same as in example 45.

The acquired licence would be amortised over its remaining three-year useful life.
The entity must assess at each reporting date whether there is any indication that the
acquired licence is impaired. If any such indication exists, the entity shall review the
acquired licence for impairment in accordance with Section 27 Impairment of Assets (see
paragraph 18.18).
The straight-line basis is used for amortisation unless another amortisation method
better reflects the pattern in which the entity expects to consume the asset’s future
economic benefits, and if the entity can determine the pattern of benefits reliably.
Ex 48 An entity develops a formula for manufacturing a type of cleaning product.

The entity purchases a patent to protect the formula. The patented formula is used
to produce the cleaning products. The patented formula is expected to have a
three-year useful life because the entity expects that it will take three years to
develop a superior formula.
The patented formula will be amortised over its three-year useful life. As the cleaning
products are produced using the patented formula, the amortisation of the patent will
be included in the cost of the cleaning products (see Section 13 Inventories).
If any impairment indicators exist the entity shall review the patented formula for
impairment in accordance with Section 27 Impairment of Assets (see paragraph 18.18).
The straight-line basis is used for amortisation unless another amortisation method
better reflects the pattern in which the entity expects to consume the asset’s future
economic benefits, and if the entity can determine the pattern of benefits reliably.
Ex 49 On 1 February 20X1 an entity purchases a patented formula. The patented formula

is available for use on this date. However the entity only starts producing inventory
using the patented formula on 1 April 20X1 because the entity did not have the
appropriate plant and equipment in place to begin production.
The entity should begin amortisation of the patent from 1 February 20X1.
Note: if the entity has the ability to determine the pattern in which it expects to
consume the future economic benefits from the patented formula, and the entity
believes that the unit of production method of amortisation better reflects the pattern
in which it expects to consume the asset’s future economic benefits, then it may be that
the amortisation charge allocated to the period from 1 February 20X1 to 1 April 20X1
would be zero.
Residual value
18.23 An entity shall assume that the residual value of an intangible asset is zero unless:
(a) there is a commitment by a third party to purchase the asset at the end of its useful
life, or
(b) there is an active market for the asset and:
(i) residual value can be determined by reference to that market, and
(ii) it is probable that such a market will exist at the end of the asset’s useful life.
Notes
Residual value is the estimated amount that an entity would currently obtain from
disposal of an asset, after deducting the estimated costs of disposal, if the asset were
already of the age and in the condition expected at the end of its useful life. That
definition can be restated as a simple question. If the asset was at the end of its useful
life today, and was in the condition expected at the end of useful life, what would the
company receive today from selling the asset (net of disposal costs)?
An active market is a market in which all the following conditions exist:
• the items traded in the market are homogeneous;
• willing buyers and sellers can normally be found at any time; and
• prices are available to the public.
It is uncommon for an active market with the characteristics described above to exist
for an intangible asset, although this may happen. For example, in some jurisdictions,
an active market may exist for freely transferable taxi licences, fishing licences or
production quotas. However, an active market cannot exist for brands, newspaper
mastheads, music and film publishing rights, patents or trademarks, because each
such asset is unique. Furthermore, although intangible assets are bought and sold,
contracts are negotiated between individual buyers and sellers, and prices are often
not available to the public because the negotiations are done privately.
A residual value other than zero implies that an entity expects to dispose of the
intangible asset before the end of its economic life.

The residual value of an intangible asset may increase to an amount equal to or greater
than the asset’s carrying amount. If it does, the asset’s amortisation charge is zero.
However if the residual value subsequently decreases to an amount below the asset’s
carrying amount, amortisation should once more be applied.
Examples – residual value
Ex 50 An entity acquired a patent that expires in 15 years. The product protected by the
patented technology is expected to be a source of net cash inflows for at least
15 years.
The patent would be amortised over its 15-year useful life to a nil residual value. If there
is any indication that the patent is impaired at any reporting date, the patent would be
reviewed for impairment in accordance with Section 27 Impairment of Assets.
Ex 51 On 1 January 20X1 an entity acquired for CU100,000 a patent that expires in

15 years. The product protected by the patented technology is expected to be a
source of net cash inflows for at least 15 years. The entity has a commitment from
a third party to purchase that patent in five years for 60 per cent of the amount
that the entity paid for the patent, and the entity intends to sell the patent to that
party in five years.
The patent has an economic life of 15 years and a useful life of five years to the entity.
The depreciable amount would be amortised over its five-year useful life, with a residual
value estimated at the present value of 60 per cent of the patent’s fair value at the date it
was acquired (eg at the date of acquisition the residual value is the present value of
CU60,000 = CU37,255(6)). If there is any indication that the patent is impaired at any
reporting date, the patent would be reviewed for impairment in accordance with Section
27 Impairment of Assets.
Ex 52 On 1 January 20X1 an entity acquired a five-year taxi licence in an active market for
CU10,000. The taxi licence is expected to be a source of net cash inflows for at least
five years. However, the entity expects to sell the taxi licence in the active market
in three years. On 1 January 20X1 taxi licences with a two-year remaining useful
life were trading at CU2,500. The active market for taxi licences is expected to
continue to exist for the foreseeable future.
The depreciable amount of the taxi licence at 1 January 20X1 is CU7,500 (= CU10,000
carrying amount less CU2,500 estimated residual value). Consequently, CU7,500 should
be amortised over the licence’s three-year useful life. At each reporting date, if there is a
significant change in the market price for taxi licences with a two-year remaining useful
life then the residual value should be updated (see paragraph 18.24).
If there is any indication that the licence is impaired at any reporting date, the taxi
licence would be reviewed for impairment in accordance with Section 27 Impairment of
Assets.
(6)
Assuming a discount rate of 10 per cent per year, the residual value measured at the date of acquisition = CU37,255 (ie
5
CU60,000 ÷ 1.1 = CU60,000 × 0.620921).
Review of amortisation period and amortisation method

18.24 Factors such as a change in how an intangible asset is used, technological advancement,
and changes in market prices may indicate that the residual value or useful life of an
intangible asset has changed since the most recent annual reporting date. If such
indicators are present, an entity shall review its previous estimates and, if current
expectations differ, amend the residual value, amortisation method or useful life.
The entity shall account for the change in residual value, amortisation method or useful
life as a change in an accounting estimate in accordance with paragraphs 10.15–10.18.
Note
Intangible assets are tested for impairment in accordance with Section 27 Impairment of
Assets. In accordance with paragraph 27.10, if there is an indication that an intangible
asset may be impaired, this may indicate that the entity should review its remaining
useful life, amortisation method or residual value, even if no impairment loss is
recognised for the asset.
Example – review of amortisation period and amortisation method
Ex 53 On 1 January 20X1 an entity acquired a patent-protected medicine formula for

CU500,000. Management estimated the useful life of the intangible asset to be
20 years (which is the remaining period of the patent) and its residual value at nil.
Furthermore, management believed that the straight-line method reflects the
pattern in which it expects to consume the intangible asset’s future economic
benefits.
At the entity’s 31 December 20X5 financial year-end, new information arose that
caused management to reconsider its initial assessment of the amortisation period
of the intangible asset. To encourage the development of the local pharmaceutical
industry, the government extended the term of all local medical patents.
Management now estimates the useful life of the formula to be 25 years (measured
from the date of acquisition). Management continues to believe that the
straight-line method reflects the pattern in which it expects to consume the asset’s
future economic benefits.
The amortisation expense recognised in the year ended 31 December 20X5 is CU19,048,
which was determined as follows:
(a)
Dr Inventories or profit or loss (amortisation expense) CU19,048
Cr Accumulated amortisation CU19,048
To record amortisation expense for the year ended 31 December 20X5.

(a) (b)
CU400,000 ÷ 21 years’ remaining useful life at the beginning of the current reporting period =
CU19,048
(b) (c)
CU500,000 cost less (4 years × CU25,000 annual amortisation) = CU400,000 carrying amount
at 1 January 20X5 (ie 31 December 20X4)
(c)
Annual amortisation = CU500,000 ÷ 20 years = CU25,000
Ex 54 On 1 January 20X1 an entity paid a system developer CU50,000 for an on-line system
through which its customers can place orders. The entity estimated that the system
would have a five-year life and amortised the cost accordingly. Unfortunately, the
system never worked as anticipated and customer use declined considerably after
the first year because of ongoing system problems resulting in incorrect orders.
After two years, the entity replaced the custom-developed system with a generic
software package available in the market. The entity concluded that the entire
CU50,000 expenditure was worthless from the beginning and decided to write it off
retrospectively, in the year of acquisition, as a correction of an error (see paragraph
10.21(a)).
The entity accounts for the change in useful life of the customer order system as a
change in an accounting estimate in accordance with paragraphs 10.15–10.18.
The amortisation in the first two years in which the custom-developed system was used
was based on an assessment of future benefits coming from that system. After two
years, the assessment of future benefits changed.
A prior period error results from failure to take into account information that was
available at the time. Until the end of the second year, the best available information
was that the system would provide future benefits. Consequently, this is a change of
accounting estimate, and not a correction of a prior period error.
Note: because there was an indication in 20X1 that future benefits were likely to be
lower than expected, an impairment test would be carried out at 31 December 20X1 in
accordance with Section 27 Impairment of Assets.
Recoverability of the carrying amount—impairment losses

18.25 To determine whether an intangible asset is impaired, an entity shall apply Section 27.
That section explains when and how an entity reviews the carrying amount of its assets,
how it determines the recoverable amount of an asset, and when it recognises or
reverses an impairment loss. [Refer: Section 27 Impairment of Assets]
Note
If there is an indication that an intangible asset may be impaired, this may indicate
that the entity should review its remaining useful life, amortisation method or
residual value, even if no impairment loss is recognised for the asset (see paragraph
27.10).
Retirements and disposals

18.26 An entity shall derecognise an intangible asset, and shall recognise a gain or loss in profit
or loss:
(a) on disposal, or
(b) when no future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal.
Notes
The disposal of an intangible asset may occur in a variety of ways (eg by sale, by
entering into a finance lease or by donation). In determining the date of disposal of
such an asset, an entity applies the criteria in Section 23 Revenue for recognising
revenue from the sale of goods (see paragraph 23.10).
The gain or loss arising from derecognising an intangible asset is determined as the
difference between the net disposal proceeds, if any, and the carrying amount of the
asset. It is recognised in profit or loss when the asset is derecognised (unless the
transaction results in a sale and leaseback, in which case Section 20 Leases specifies the
treatment of the gain or loss).
If payment for the intangible asset is deferred, the consideration received is recognised
initially at the cash price equivalent. The difference between the nominal amount of
the consideration and the cash price equivalent is recognised as interest revenue.
Examples – derecognition of an intangible asset
Ex 55 On 14 December 20X5 an entity sold an item of computer software. The purchaser

took immediate delivery of the software.
The entity must derecognise the intangible asset on 14 December 20X5 when the risks
and rewards of ownership of the software passed to the purchaser, assuming all the
other conditions in paragraph 23.10 are met.
Ex 56 An entity sells cardboard boxes made out of a special type of cardboard, which the
entity has protected by purchasing a patent. In late 20X4 an entity experienced
several complaints from customers that they had received batches of defective
cardboard boxes. This led to several important customers cancelling their future
orders.
In May 20X5, because of a significant drop in the level of sales, the entity temporary
halted production of its patented cardboard boxes. Expecting that the customers
would return and that demand for cardboard boxes would increase in the
foreseeable future, the entity did not dispose of its cardboard manufacturing
operations.
On 30 June 20X6 management discovered that a competitor had developed a new
type of cardboard that customers believed was superior to the entity’s patented
product. As a result, management gave up hope that sales would improve to the
extent that it could recommence manufacturing cardboard boxes. Management
therefore decided that the associated tangible and intangible assets (including the
patent) should be scrapped.
The entity has a year-end of 31 December.
The entity must derecognise the patent on 30 June 20X6. From this date no future
economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal.
The reduction in expected future economic benefits (ie reduction in sales) due to
customers cancelling their orders in late 20X4 is an impairment indicator, and hence
the cardboard manufacturing operations should be tested for impairment under Section
27 Impairment of Assets on 31 December 20X4. The subsequent significant drop in the
level of sales is also an impairment indicator, and the cardboard manufacturing
operations should therefore be tested again for impairment on 31 December 20X5.
Note: if expected future benefits are reduced, this is an impairment indicator. However,
if no future benefits are expected, this results in derecognition of the asset.
Disclosures
18.27 An entity shall disclose the following for each class of intangible assets:
(a) the useful lives or the amortisation rates used.
(b) the amortisation methods used.
(c) the gross carrying amount and any accumulated amortisation (aggregated with
accumulated impairment losses) at the beginning and end of the reporting period.
(d) the line item(s) in the statement of comprehensive income (and in the income
statement, if presented) in which any amortisation of intangible assets is included.
(e) a reconciliation of the carrying amount at the beginning and end of the reporting
period showing separately:
(i) additions.
(ii) disposals.
(iii) acquisitions through business combinations.
(iv) amortisation.
(v) impairment losses.
(vi) other changes.
This reconciliation need not be presented for prior periods.
Notes
A class of intangible assets is a grouping of assets of a similar nature and use in an

entity’s operations (see the Glossary). The following are examples of separate classes of
intangibles:
(a) brand names;
(b) mastheads and publishing titles;
(c) computer software;
(d) licences and franchises;
(e) copyrights, patents and other industrial property rights, service and operating
rights;
(f) recipes, formulas, models, designs and prototypes; and
(g) intangible assets under development.
Example – disclosures for each class of intangible assets
Ex 57 An entity could disclose information about intangible assets in its financial

statements as follows:
Note 1 Accounting policies
Intangible assets other than goodwill

Intangible assets, other than goodwill, are measured at cost less accumulated
amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Amortisation is charged so as to
allocate the cost of assets less their residual values over their estimated useful lives,
using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives of intangible assets are:
 Patents 20 years
 Formulas 10 years
 Computer software 3 years
Note 4 Intangible assets other than goodwill

Computer
Patents Formulas Total
software
CU’000 CU’000 CU’000 CU’000
Cost 10,000 13,000 4,400 27,400
Accumulated amortisation (4,400) (3,200) (2,300) (9,900)
Carrying amount at 1
January 20X2 5,600 9,800 2,100 17,500
Additions – 2,000 1,000 3,000
Acquired in a business
combination 5,000 4,000 2,000 11,000
(a) (d) (g)
Disposals (1,400) (1,200) (300) (2,900)
Amortisation (730) (1,700) (2,250) (4,680)
Impairment – (600) – (600)
Carrying amount at 31
December 20X2 8,470 12,300 2,550 23,320
(b) (e) (h)
Cost 13,000 16,000 6,400 35,400
(c) (f) (i)
Accumulated amortisation (4,530) (3,700) (3,850) (12,080)
Note: the following calculations illustrate the workings only and would not
comprise part of the actual disclosures in the financial statements.
Calculations (in CU000)
(a)
CU2,000 cost less CU600 accumulated amortisation
(b) (a)
CU10,000 cost + CU5,000 acquired in business combination less CU2,000 cost of disposed
items
(c)
CU4,400 accumulated amortisation at 1 January 20X2 + CU730 annual amortisation less
(a)
CU600 accumulated amortisation of disposed items
(d)
CU3,000 cost less CU1,800 accumulated amortisation
(e)
CU13,000 cost + CU2,000 additions + CU4,000 acquired in business combination less
(d)
CU3,000 cost of disposed items
(f)
CU3,200 accumulated amortisation at 1 January 20X2 + CU1,700 annual amortisation +
(d)
CU600 impairment loss recognised on 20X2 less CU1,800 accumulated amortisation of
disposed items
(g)
CU1,000 cost less CU700 accumulated amortisation
(h)
CU4,400 cost + CU1,000 additions + CU2,000 acquired in business combination less
(g)
CU1,000 cost of disposed items
(i)
CU2,300 accumulated amortisation at 1 January 20X2 + CU2,250 annual amortisation less
(g)
CU700 accumulated amortisation of disposed items
18.28 An entity shall also disclose:

(a) a description, the carrying amount and remaining amortisation period of any individual
intangible asset that is material to the entity’s financial statements.
(b) for intangible assets acquired by way of a government grant and initially recognised at
fair value (see paragraph 18.12):
(i) the fair value initially recognised for these assets, and
(ii) their carrying amounts.
(c) the existence and carrying amounts of intangible assets to which the entity has
restricted title or that are pledged as security for liabilities.
(d) the amount of contractual commitments for the acquisition of intangible assets.
Example – other disclosures
Ex 58 An entity could present disclosures about intangible assets as follows:
Note 4 Intangible assets other than goodwill

At 31 December 20X5 the entity’s taxi licence was pledged as security for a CU80,000
loan from entity B. This pledge also existed at 31 December 20X4.
In December 20X5 the entity signed an agreement to acquire a brand name from
entity A on 31 March 20X7 for CU90,000. The entity had no contractual
commitments for the acquisition of intangible assets at 31 December 20X4.
18.29 An entity shall disclose the aggregate amount of research and development expenditure
recognised as an expense during the period (ie the amount of expenditure incurred
internally on research and development that has not been capitalised as part of the cost
of another asset that meets the recognition criteria in this IFRS).
Example – disclosures of research and development
Ex 59 An entity could disclose research and development expenditure as follows:
Note 3 Profit before tax

The following items have been recognised as expenses (income) in determining profit
before tax:
20X2 20X1
CU CU
Research and development costs 100,000 120,000
SIGNIFICANT ESTIMATES AND OTHER JUDGEMENTS
Applying the requirements of the IFRS for SMEs to transactions and events often requires
judgement. Information about significant judgements and key sources of estimation
uncertainty are useful in assessing the financial position, performance and cash flows of an
entity. Consequently, in accordance with paragraph 8.6, an entity must disclose the
judgements that management has made in the process of applying the entity’s accounting
policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial
statements. Furthermore, in accordance with paragraph 8.7, an entity must disclose
information about the key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of
estimation uncertainty at the reporting date, that have a significant risk of causing a material
adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.
Other sections of the IFRS for SMEs require disclosure of information about particular
judgements and estimation uncertainties. Some of the judgements in accounting for
intangible assets are set out below.
Recognition
In most cases little difficulty is encountered in identifying intangible assets. However, in a

business combination, significant judgement may be required to identify all intangible assets
that must be recognised separately in the accounting for the business combination. Failure to
do so will result in the understatement of separately identified intangible assets and the
overstatement of goodwill, with the effect that the intangible may be amortised over an
incorrect period.
Measurement
An entity shall measure an intangible asset at its cost at initial recognition. In most cases little
difficulty is encountered in determining the cost of an intangible asset. However, significant
judgements in measuring the cost of an intangible asset at initial recognition may include:
• If payment for the item is deferred beyond normal credit terms—estimating the discount
rate at which to discount all future payments to arrive at the present value that will be
included in the cost of the intangible asset.
• If the item is acquired in an exchange transaction—measuring fair value when an active
market does not exist for the asset received, or for the asset given up, and also judging
whether the fair value can be measured reliably.
• If the item is acquired in a business combination—measuring the fair value of the
intangible asset when an active market does not exist for the asset acquired, and also
judging whether the fair value can be measured reliably.
• If the item is acquired by way of government grant—measuring the fair value of the
intangible asset when an active market does not exist for the asset acquired.
Significant judgements in accounting for the amortisation of an intangible asset may include:
• estimating the useful life of the item and;
• determining the appropriate amortisation method that reflects the pattern in which the
entity expects to consume the intangible asset.
Significant judgements in accounting for the impairment of an intangible asset may include:
• assessing whether there is any indication that an item may be impaired; and
• if there is an indication that the item may be impaired—measuring the recoverable
amount of the intangible asset (see Module 27 Impairment of Assets).
COMPARISON WITH FULL IFRSs

A high-level overview of differences between the requirements at 9 July 2009 of accounting
and reporting property, plant and equipment in accordance with full IFRSs (see
IAS 38 Intangible Assets) and the IFRS for SMEs (see Section 18 Intangible Assets other than Goodwill)
includes:
 The IFRS for SMEs is drafted in simple language and includes significantly less guidance on
how to apply the principles.
 Full IFRSs require all research costs to be charged to expense when incurred, but
development costs incurred after the project is deemed to be commercially viable are to be
capitalised. The IFRS for SMEs requires all research and development costs to be recognised
as expenses.
 Full IFRSs presume that the reliable measurement recognition criterion is always satisfied
for intangible assets acquired in a business combination. The IFRS for SMEs provides an
exception for an intangible asset acquired in a business combination that arises from legal
or other contractual rights when its fair value cannot be measured reliably because either
it is not separable from goodwill or it is separable from goodwill but there is no history or
evidence of exchange transactions for the same or similar assets, and estimating fair value
otherwise would be dependent on immeasurable variables.
 Full IFRSs require indefinite-lived intangible assets to be carried at cost less impairment
loss, if any. The IFRS for SMEs considers all intangible assets (including indefinite-lived
intangible assets) to have finite lives. It requires all intangible assets (ie including
indefinite-lived intangible assets) to be amortised.
 Full IFRSs permit an option to use the revaluation model for the measurement of
intangible assets after initial recognition. The IFRS for SMEs does not.
 Full IFRSs require an annual review of residual value, useful life and amortisation method
of intangible assets. The IFRS for SMEs requires a review only if there is an indication that
there has been a significant change since the last annual reporting date.
 Full IFRSs (see IAS 20 Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance)
allow a choice of methods in accounting for intangible assets acquired by way of
government grants. The IFRS for SMEs (see Section 24 Government Grants) prescribes a single
method of accounting for government grants.
For differences related to impairment testing see Module 27 Impairment of Assets.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Test your knowledge of the requirements for accounting and reporting intangibles other than
goodwill in accordance with the IFRS for SMEs by answering the questions below.
Once you have completed the test check your answers against those set out below this test.
Assume that all amounts are material.
Mark the box next to the most correct statement.
Question 1
An intangible asset (other than goodwill) is:

(a) an identifiable asset without physical substance.
(b) a non-monetary asset without physical substance.
(c) an identifiable non-monetary asset without physical substance.
Question 2
An intangible asset is identifiable when:

(a) it is separable (ie capable of being separated or divided from the entity and sold,
transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged, either individually or together with a
related contract, asset or liability).
(b) it arises from contractual or other legal rights, regardless of whether those rights are
transferable or separable from the entity or from other rights and obligations.
(c) either (a) or (b) applies.
(d) none of the above.
Question 3
An entity must measure intangible assets after initial recognition:

(a) at fair value.
(b) at fair value or at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated
impairment losses (same accounting policy for all items in the same class of intangible
asset).
(c) at fair value or at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated
impairment losses (elected on an item-by-item basis).
(d) at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.
Question 4
The cost of an intangible asset at initial recognition is measured at its fair value when:
(a) it is internally generated.
(b) it is acquired as part of a business combination.
(c) it is acquired by way of a government grant.
(d) all of (a)–(c) above.
(e) both (b) and (c) above.
(f) none of the above.
Question 5
An entity acquired a trademark for a leading consumer product. The trademark has a
remaining legal life of five years but is renewable every ten years at little cost. The acquiring
entity intends to renew the trademark continuously and evidence supports its ability to do so.
An analysis of (i) product life cycle studies, (ii) market, competitive and environmental trends,
and (iii) brand extension opportunities provides evidence that the trademarked product will
generate net cash inflows for the acquiring entity for an indefinite period. The useful life of
the intangible asset is:
(a) five years—the initial period of the contractual rights.
(b) presumed to be 10 years—if the entity is unable to make a reliable estimate of its finite
useful life.
(c) 15 years—the initial period of the contractual rights plus a renewal period.
(d) five years—the period of the contractual rights, but with no amortisation charges, as it
is expected to generate cash flows for a indefinite period.
Question 6
On 31 December 20X2 entity A sold a brand name to entity B for CU250,000. Entity A
estimates that it cost CU100,000 to develop the brand name during 20X1. Entity B estimates
that it spent CU50,000 in maintaining and developing the brand name in 20X3.
On 31 December 20X3 entity C gained control over entity B in a business combination, when
the fair value of the brand was estimated at CU400,000.
For the purpose of this example, ignore amortisation.
The brand name must be recognised:
(a) on 31 December 20X1 by entity A at CU100,000; on 31 December 20X2 by entity B at
CU250,000; on 31 December 20X3 by entity C (in its consolidated financial statements)
at CU400,000.
(b) on 31 December 20X1 by entity A at nil; on 31 December 20X2 by entity B at
at CU400,000.
(c) on 31 December 20X1 by entity A at nil; on 31 December 20X2 by entity B at
at CU400,000.
Question 7
On 1 January 20X1 an entity acquired a taxi licence for CU95,000, including CU5,000
non-refundable purchase taxes. The purchase agreement provided that payment must be
made in full on 31 December 20X1. Legal fees of CU2,000 were incurred in acquiring the taxi
licence and paid on 1 January 20X1.
An appropriate discount rate is 10 per cent per year.
On 1 January 20X1 the entity shall measure the initial cost of the taxi licence at:
(a) CU102,000.
(b) CU97,000.
(c) CU88,364.
(d) CU107,000.
Question 8
On 1 January 20X1 an entity acquired a patent for CU100,000. At 31 December 20X1

management:
- assessed the patent’s useful life at 20 years from the date of acquisition
- assessed that the entity will consume the patent’s future economic benefits evenly over
20 years from the date of acquisition
- assessed the fair value of the patent at CU130,000.
The entity shall measure the carrying amount of the patent on 31 December 20X1 at:
(a) CU100,000.
(b) CU95,000.
(c) CU130,000.
(d) CU123,500.
Question 9
On 31 December 20X5 the entity reassessed the patent described in Question 8 as follows:
- the patent’s useful life at 14 years from the date of acquisition
- the entity will consume the patent’s future economic benefits evenly over 14 years from
the date of acquisition
- the recoverable amount (fair value less costs to sell) of the patent at CU70,000.
The entity shall measure the carrying amount of the patent on 31 December 20X5 at:
(a) CU72,000.
(b) CU100,000.
(c) CU64,286.
(d) CU70,000.
Question 10
On 1 January 20X1 an entity (a publisher) acquired a competitor’s publishing title for

CU30,000. On 1 January 20X4 the entity commenced publishing using the new title.
On 31 December 20X8 the entity decided to sell the publishing title and took actions that
make its sale within 12 months highly probable. The publishing title was sold on 31 March
20X9.
The entity shall account for the publishing title as:
(a) an intangible asset (other than goodwill) from the date of acquisition (1 January 20X1)
to 31 December 20X8 and as an inventory (asset held for sale in the ordinary course of
business) from 31 December 20X8 to the date of disposal (31 March 20X9).
(b) an item of inventory from the date of acquisition (1 January 20X1) to the date of
disposal (31 March 20X9).
(c) an intangible asset (other than goodwill) from the date of acquisition (1 January 20X1)
to the date of disposal (31 March 20X9).
(d) none of the above.
Answers
Q1 (c) see paragraph 18.2

Q2 (c) see paragraph 18.2(a) and (b)
Q3 (d) see paragraph 18.18
Q4 (e) see paragraphs 18.9, 18.11 and 18.12
Q5 (b) see paragraphs 18.19 and 18.20
Q6 (c) see paragraphs 18.14 (entity A), 18.10 (entity B) and 18.11 (entity C).
Q7 (c) calculation—(CU95,000 purchase price including refundable taxes) ÷ 1.1 = CU86,364
present value of the purchase price + CU2,000 direct costs (legal fees) = CU88,364
Q8 (b) calculation—CU100,000 cost less (CU100,000 depreciable amount ÷ 20 years useful
life × 1 year in use) accumulated amortisation = CU95,000
Q9 (d) calculation—CU100,000 cost less [CU20,000 accumulated amortisation at the
beginning of the reporting period + (CU80,000 remaining depreciable amount ÷ 10
years remaining useful life × 1 year in use since the beginning of the current reporting
period) = CU8,000 accumulated amortisation] = CU72,000 carrying amount before
impairment testing. The significantly reduced assessment of the assets useful life
would trigger an impairment test. The impairment test would require the carrying
amount of the asset be reduced by a further CU2,000 to its recoverable amount
CU70,000.
Q10 (c) see paragraphs 18.4 and 18.26(a). The decision to sell an intangible asset does not in
itself change the classification of the intangible asset to inventory.
APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Apply your knowledge of the requirements for accounting and reporting intangibles other
than goodwill in accordance with the IFRS for SMEs by solving the case studies below.
Once you have completed the case studies check your answers against those set out at the end
of this test
Case study 1
SME D incurred the following expenditures in establishing its taxi business in a local city:
Date CU Additional information
1 May 20X1 1,500 General start-up costs
30 June 20X1 7,000 Legal costs directly attributable to the acquisition of the taxi licences
30 June 20X1 100,000 Payment to the taxi licensing authority for the taxi licences, including
CU10,000 refundable purchase taxes
1 July 20X1 100 Printing business cards of the drivers
1 July 20X1 20,000 Payment for an advertisement to be published every day for the next
12 months in a local daily newspaper
At 31 December 20X1 SME D made the following assessments:
 Economic life of the taxi licence: five years from 30 June 20X1 (the date of acquisition)
 Residual value of the taxi licences: nil
 The entity expects to consume the taxi licences’ future economic benefits evenly over
five years from the date of acquisition
 There is no indication that the taxi licences might be impaired.
The taxi drivers own their own vehicles, which they operate under SME D’s taxi licences.
Prepare accounting entries to record the information set out above in the accounting
records of SME D for the year ended 31 December 20X1.
Ignore all forms of taxation.
Answer to case study 1
1 May 20X1
Dr Profit or loss (expenses) CU1,500

Cr Cash CU1,500
To recognise start-up costs incurred for the taxi operations.
30 June 20X1
(A)
Dr Intangible asset (taxi licence)—cost CU7,000
Cr Cash CU7,000
To recognise legal costs directly attributable to the acquisition of the taxi licences.
(A)
Dr Intangible asset (taxi licence)—cost CU90,000
Dr Receivable—refundable purchase taxes CU10,000
Cr Cash CU100,000
To recognise the acquisition of the taxi licences.
1 July 20X1
Dr Profit or loss (operating expenses) CU100

Cr Cash CU100
To recognise as an expense the costs of printing business cards for the taxi drivers.
Dr Prepaid expenses (asset) CU20,000

Cr Cash CU20,000
To recognise advertising costs paid on 1 July 20X1 for the twelve months ending 30 June 20X2.
For the year ended 31 December 20X1
Dr Profit or loss (operating expenses) CU10,000

Cr Prepaid expenses (asset) CU10,000
To recognise an expense for advertising prepaid on 1 July 20X1 for the six months ending 31 December 20X1.
(a)
Dr Profit or loss (operating expenses) CU9,700
Cr Intangible asset (taxi licences)—accumulated amortisation CU9,700
To recognise amortisation of taxi licences from the date when the asset was ready for use (for the six month period
ended 31 December 20X1).
The calculations and explanatory notes below do not form part of the answer to this case study:
(a) (b)
CU97,000 cost ÷ 5 year useful life = CU19,400 amortisation for a year.
Amortisation for 6 months = CU9,700 (ie CU19,400 ÷ 12 months × 6 months).
(b)
∑A = CU97,000 cost of intangible asset—taxi licences.
Case study 2
On 1 January 20X4 SME F acquired a trademark for a line of products in a separate acquisition
from a competitor for CU300,000. SME F expected to continue marketing the line of products
using the trademark indefinitely. An analysis of (i) product life cycle studies, (ii) market,
competitive and environmental trends, and (iii) brand extension opportunities provides
evidence that the line of trademarked products may generate net cash inflows for the
acquiring entity for an indefinite period. Because management is unable to estimate the
useful life of the trademark SME F amortises the cost of the trademark over 10 years (ie its
presumed useful life) using the straight-line method.
In 20X7 a competitor unexpectedly revealed a technological breakthrough that is expected to
result in a product, that when launched by the competitor, will extinguish demand for SME F’s
patented product-line. Demand for SME F’s patented product-line is expected to remain
strong until December 20X9, when the competitor is expected to launch its new product.
On 31 December 20X7 SME F assessed the recoverable amount of the trademark at CU50,000.
SME F intends to continue manufacturing the patented products until 31 December 20X9.
SME F has a 31 December financial year-end.
Prepare accounting entries to record the information set out above in the accounting
records of SME F from 1 January 20X4 to 31 December 20X7.
Ignore all forms of taxation.
1 January 20X4
Dr Intangible asset (trademark)—cost CU300,000

Cr Cash CU300,000
To recognise the acquisition of the trademark in a separate acquisition.
For the year ended 20X4
Dr Profit or loss (operating expenses)—amortisation of

(a)
trademark CU30,000
Cr Intangible asset (trademark)—accumulated amortisation
and accumulated impairment CU30,000
To recognise the annual amortisation of the trademark during the period.

(a)
trademark CU30,000

(a)
trademark CU30,000
For the year ended 31 December 20X7

(b)
trademark CU70,000
At 31 December 20X7
(c)
Dr Profit or loss (operating expenses)—impairment of trademark CU90,000
Cr Intangible asset (finite life trademark)—accumulated
amortisation and accumulated impairment CU90,000
To recognise the impairment loss for the trademark.
(a)
CU300,000 cost ÷ 10 years useful life = CU30,000 amortisation per year.
(b)
CU210,000 carrying amount (ie CU300,000 cost less (CU30,000 amortisation per year × 3 years since
acquisition)) ÷ 3 years remaining useful life (31 December 20X9 less 1 January 20X7) = CU70,000
amortisation per year.
(c)
CU140,000 carrying amount (ie CU300,000 cost less (CU30,000 amortisation per year × 3 years since
acquisition until 31 December 20X6) less CU70,000 amortisation for the year 20X7) less CU50,000
recoverable amount = CU90,000 impairment loss.
Case study 3
At 1 January 20X5 (the beginning of the comparative reporting period) SME J, an Internet service
provider, owned the following intangible assets:
Description Additional information
Internet domain name Acquired in a separate acquisition on 1 January 20X4 for

CU300,000. The entity is unable to make a reliable estimate of the
useful life.
Software Internally developed. Estimated useful life—ten years from date of

development. Remaining useful life—five years.
Customer list Acquired in a separate acquisition on 1 January 20X4 for

CU100,000. Estimated useful life—five years from date of
acquisition.
Ringtones Internally developed. Estimated useful life—three years from date

of development.
On 30 June 20X6 SME J acquired ringtones (sometimes called jingles) developed by an

independent third party for CU20,000. The useful life of the jingles is expected to be three years
from the date of acquisition.
On 30 September 20X6 SME J acquired 60 per cent of the issued share capital of SME K in a
business combination when the fair value of SME K’s identifiable intangible assets were:
Description CU Additional information
Internet domain name 500,000 Unable to make a reliable estimate of the useful life.
Software 600,000 Internally developed. Estimated remaining useful life =

ten years.
Customer list 400,000 Internally generated. Estimated remaining useful life =

five years.
Advertising contracts 500,000 Five-year contracts (all contracts started on 1 October

20X5) for customers’ advertisements to appear in a
designated space on SME K’s website.
In-process research and 80,000 Various current research and development projects to
development enhance the value of the services offered by the entity.
In the last quarter of 20X6 SME K incurred CU10,000 on research and development. No projects
were completed during the period.
At 31 December 20X6 SME J confirmed its previous assessments of the group’s intangible assets.
Draft an extract showing how the intangible assets could be presented and disclosed in the
consolidated financial statements of SME J Group for the year ended 31 December 20X6.
Extract from SME J group’s consolidated statement of financial position at 31 December 20X6:
Note 20X6 20X5
Intangible assets 4 CU2,267,917 CU300,000
Extract from the notes to SME J group’s 31 December 20X6 consolidated financial statements:
Note 1 Accounting policies
Intangible assets other than goodwill

Intangible assets are measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.
Amortisation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual values over their estimated useful
lives, using the straight-line method. Internet domain names are presumed to have a useful life of ten years
because their useful life cannot be estimated reliably. The estimated useful lives of other intangible assets are
estimated to be:
 Advertising contracts 5 years
 Software 10 years
 Customer lists 5 years
 Ringtones 3 years
Note 4 Intangible assets other than goodwill (amounts in CU)

Internet Software Customer In-process Advertising Ringtones Total
domain lists research and contracts
name development
Carrying amount
at 31 December
(h) (h)
20X5 240,000 – 60,000 – – – 300,000
Cost 300,000 – 100,000 – – – 400,000
Accumulated
(a) (c)
amortisation (60,000) – (40,000) – – – (100,000)
Additions – – – – – 20,000 20,000
Acquired in a
business
combination 500,000 600,000 400,000 80,000 500,000 – 2,080,000
(a) (b) (c) (e) (f) (g)
Amortisation (42,500) (15,000) (40,000) – (31,250) (3,333) (132,083)
Carrying amount
at 31 December
20X6 697,500 585,000 420,000 80,000 468,750 16,667 2,267,917
Cost 800,000 600,000 500,000 80,000 500,000 20,000 2,500,000
Accumulated
amortisation (102,500) (15,000) (80,000) – (31,250) (3,333) (232,083)
(a)
CU300,000 cost ÷ 10 years = CU30,000 amortisation per year of Internet domain name acquired on
1 January 20X4.
CU500,000 cost ÷ 10 years × 3 ÷ 12 months (ie 30 September to 31 December 20X6) = CU12,500
amortisation of Internet domain name acquired in a business combination.
Until 31 December 20X5: CU30,000 × 2 years = CU60,000 amortisation of Internet domain name.
In 20X6: CU30,000 + CU12,500 = CU42,500 amortisation of Internet domain name in 20X6.
(b)
amortisation of software.
(c) (d)
Until 31 December 20X5: CU20,000 × 2 years = CU40,000 amortisation of customer lists.
(d) (d)
In 20X6: CU20,000 + CU20,000 = CU40,000 amortisation of customer lists in 2006.
(d)
CU100,000 cost ÷ 5 years = CU20,000 amortisation per year of customer lists acquired on 1 January 20X4.
amortisation of customer lists acquired in a business combination.
(e)
The entity will start amortising the in-process research and development that it acquired in a business
combination when it is developed (ie ready for use as intended by management).
(f)
CU500,000 cost ÷ 4 years remaining useful life × 3 ÷ 12 months (ie 30 September to 31 December 20X6) =
CU31,250 amortisation of advertising contract intangible asset.
(g)
CU20,000 cost ÷ 3 years remaining useful life × 6 ÷ 12 months (ie 30 June to 31 December 20X6) =
CU3,333 amortisation of ringtones.
(h)
Internally generated intangible assets are never recognised under Section 18.

Module 18 - Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill: IFRS Foundation: Training Material For The IFRS

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Module 18 - Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill: IFRS Foundation: Training Material For The IFRS

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2009

IFRS Foundation: Training Material for the IFRS® for SMEs

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SIGNIFICANT ESTIMATES AND OTHER JUDGEMENTS _________________________ 41

IFRS for SMEs

Introduction to the requirements

The objective of general purpose financial statements of a small or medium-sized entity is to

REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMPLES

Scope of this section

18.2 An intangible asset is an identifiable non-monetary asset without physical substance.

Examples – intangible assets

Ex 2 An entity holds an exclusive licence to operate a particular fast-food outlet in a

Ex 6 An entity owns digital audiovisual material—films and audio recordings that it

 is non-monetary—because it is neither currency held nor an asset receivable in a fixed

Examples – items that do not satisfy the definition of an intangible asset

18.3 Intangible assets do not include:

Examples – intangible assets outside the scope of Section 18

General principle for recognising intangible assets

Examples – general recognition criteria

Ex 14 An entity acquires a competitor’s brand in a separate acquisition for CU100,000 (2).

Acquisition as part of a business combination

Examples – application of recognition principle – recognise separate asset

Ex 15 An entity acquired a number of marketing-related assets (trademarks, service

Ex 16 An entity acquired a registered Internet domain name (a unique alphanumeric

Ex 17 An entity acquired a valuable customer list (a database that includes information

Ex 19 An entity acquired two databases (a collection of information stored in electronic

Ex 20 An entity acquired computer software in a business combination. Some of the

measured reliably because either it is not separable from goodwill, or it is separable

Ex 21 An entity acquired two trade secrets (secret recipes) in a business combination.

Ex 22 An entity acquired an order (or production) backlog in a business combination.

Ex 23 An entity acquired customer contracts and the related customer relationships in a

Ex 24 An entity acquired several non-contractual customer relationships in a business

Ex 25 Acquirer Company (AC) acquires Target Company (TC) in a business combination on

Ex 26 AC acquires TC in a business combination on 31 December 20X5. TC does business

Example – application of recognition principle – cannot recognise separately

Ex 27 A group acquired water acquisition rights as part of a business combination.

Example – measurement of intangible assets acquired separately

Ex 28 On 1 January 20X1 an entity purchased a new software package to operate its

Acquisition as part of a business combination

‘relief from royalty’ approach, using discounted net cash flows); or

Example – measurement of intangible assets acquired in a business

In 20X1 the acquirer incurred CU200,000 in additional expenditure to complete the

Although the acquired in-process research and development is recognised as an

Acquisition by way of a government grant

Example – measurement of intangible assets acquired by way of a

Ex 30 On 1 January 20X1 a local government issued three identical licences to broadcast

Examples – measurement of intangible assets acquired in an exchange of

Ex 31 On 1 January 20X1 an entity received landing rights at a local airport in exchange

Ex 32 On 1 January 20X1 an entity received landing rights at a local airport in exchange

Ex 33 Entities A and B manufacture chemicals in jurisdictions A and B, respectively.

Internally generated intangible assets

Examples – expenditures recognised as an expense or as an intangible asset

Ex 34 In 20X1 a candle manufacturer incurred the following expenses on raw materials

Ex 37 On 31 December 20X1 an entity placed an advertisement for its products in a local

The cost of the newspaper advertisement (CU20,000) must be recognised as an expense in

Ex 38 In June 20X1 an entity employed external consultants at a cost of CU20,000 to

Ex 39 On 31 December 20X1 an entity paid CU10,000 for a full page advertisement

Past expenses not to be recognised as an asset

Measurement after recognition

Example – measurement after initial recognition

Ex 40 On 1 January 20X1 an entity acquired a franchise licence for CU500,000.

Description Calculation or reason CU Reference to

Amortisation over useful life

The useful life of an asset is:

Examples – determination of the useful life of an intangible asset

Ex 42 An entity in the business of direct-mail marketing acquires a customer list and

Ex 44 An entity acquired a broadcasting licence that expires in five years. Thereafter

Amortisation period and amortisation method

Notes – amortisation of an intangible asset

Amortisation is usually recognised in profit or loss. However, sometimes the future

Examples – amortisation of an intangible asset

Ex 47 The facts are the same as in example 45.