Hard2 marksMultiple Choice
Revenue from Contracts with CustomersIFRS 15RevenueLicensingSection B
This question is part of a case study — click to read the full scenario(Case 21)

Section B - Case 2: BioGenix

Scenario: BioGenix is a biotechnology firm developing a new gene therapy, 'GeneX'. During the year ended 31 December 20X5, BioGenix incurred the following costs:

  • $2,000,000 on the research phase (Jan-Jun).
  • $3,000,000 on the development phase (Jul-Dec), incurred evenly over the 6 months.
    BioGenix management confirmed that the project met all IAS 38 capitalization criteria on 1 October 20X5.

BioGenix also holds a patent for a different drug. On 1 January 20X5, BioGenix licensed this patent to PharmaCo. PharmaCo paid an upfront, non-refundable fee of $5,000,000 for the right to use the patent for 5 years. BioGenix has no further performance obligations. The contract also includes a $2,000,000 milestone payment if PharmaCo achieves $50m in sales in 20X5. By 31 December 20X5, PharmaCo's sales were $30m, and BioGenix determined it is highly probable the milestone will not be met.

Finally, BioGenix has a Cash Generating Unit (CGU) that was impairment tested. Carrying amounts: Goodwill $1m, Patent $4m, Equipment $5m. Recoverable amount of the CGU is $7m.

Question: How much of the 'GeneX' costs should be capitalized as an intangible asset for the year ended 31 December 20X5?

ACCA · Question 23 · Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Section B - Case 2: BioGenix

Scenario: BioGenix is a biotechnology firm developing a new gene therapy, 'GeneX'. During the year ended 31 December 20X5, BioGenix incurred the following costs:

  • $2,000,000 on the research phase (Jan-Jun).
  • $3,000,000 on the development phase (Jul-Dec), incurred evenly over the 6 months.
    BioGenix management confirmed that the project met all IAS 38 capitalization criteria on 1 October 20X5.

BioGenix also holds a patent for a different drug. On 1 January 20X5, BioGenix licensed this patent to PharmaCo. PharmaCo paid an upfront, non-refundable fee of $5,000,000 for the right to use the patent for 5 years. BioGenix has no further performance obligations. The contract also includes a $2,000,000 milestone payment if PharmaCo achieves $50m in sales in 20X5. By 31 December 20X5, PharmaCo's sales were $30m, and BioGenix determined it is highly probable the milestone will not be met.

Finally, BioGenix has a Cash Generating Unit (CGU) that was impairment tested. Carrying amounts: Goodwill $1m, Patent $4m, Equipment $5m. Recoverable amount of the CGU is $7m.

Question: How much revenue should BioGenix recognize from the PharmaCo licensing agreement for the year ended 31 December 20X5?

Answer options:

A.

$1,000,000

B.

$5,000,000

C.

$7,000,000

D.

$1,400,000

How to approach this question

Determine if the license is a 'right to access' (over time) or 'right to use' (point in time). Then apply the constraint on variable consideration for the milestone.

Full Answer

B.$5,000,000✓ Correct
Under IFRS 15, a license providing a 'right to use' intellectual property as it exists at the point in time the license is granted is recognized immediately. Since BioGenix has no further obligations, the $5m is recognized upfront. The $2m milestone is variable consideration; because it is highly probable it will not be met, it is constrained to zero.

Common mistakes

Spreading the upfront fee over 5 years, confusing 'right to use' with 'right to access'.

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