IFRS: Initial
Recognition: Research and Development Costs
and a Longer version: 52. To assess whether an internally generated intangible asset meets the criteria for recognition, an entity classifies the generation of the asset into: (a) a research phase; and (b) a development phase. Although the terms ‘research’ and ‘development’ are defined, the terms ‘research phase’ and ‘development phase’ have a broader meaning for the purpose of this Standard. 53. If an entity cannot distinguish the research phase from the development phase of an internal project to create an intangible asset, the entity treats the expenditure on that project as if it were incurred in the research phase only. Research phase 54. No intangible asset arising from research (or from the research phase of an internal project) shall be recognised. Expenditure on research (or on the research phase of an internal project) shall be recognised as an expense when it is incurred. 55. In the research phase of an internal project, an entity cannot demonstrate that an intangible asset exists that will generate probable future economic benefits. Therefore, this expenditure is recognised as an expense when it is incurred. 56. Examples of research activities are: (a) activities aimed at obtaining new knowledge; (b) the search for, evaluation and final selection of, applications of research findings or other knowledge; (c) the search for alternatives for materials, devices, products, processes, systems or services; and (d) the formulation, design, evaluation and final selection of possible alternatives for new or improved materials, devices, products, processes, systems or services. Development phase 57. An intangible asset arising from development (or from the development phase of an internal project) shall be recognised if, and only if, an entity can demonstrate all of the following: (a) the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it will be available for use or sale. (b) its intention to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it. (c) its ability to use or sell the intangible asset. (d) how the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits. Among other things, the entity can demonstrate the existence of a market for the output of the intangible asset or the intangible asset itself or, if it is to be used internally, the usefulness of the intangible asset. (e) the availability of adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the intangible asset. (f) its ability to measure reliably the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development. 58. In the development phase of an internal project, an entity can, in some instances, identify an intangible asset and demonstrate that the asset will generate probable future economic benefits. This is because the development phase of a project is further advanced than the research phase. 59. Examples of development activities are: (a) the design, construction and testing of pre production or pre use prototypes and models; (b) the design of tools, jigs, moulds and dies involving new technology; (c) the design, construction and operation of a pilot plant that is not of a scale economically feasible for commercial production; and (d) the design, construction and testing of a chosen alternative for new or improved materials, devices, products, processes, systems or services |