Question

E12.16 (LO 2, 5) (Accounting for R&D Costs) Price Company from time to time embarks on a research program when a special project seems to offer possibilities. In 2019, the company expends $325,000 on a research project, but by the end of 2019 it is impossible to determine whether any benefit will be derived from it.

Instructions

a. What account should be charged for the $325,000, and how should it be shown in the financial statements?

b. The project is completed in 2020, and a successful patent is obtained. The R&D costs to complete the project are $110,000. The administrative and legal expenses incurred in obtaining patent number 472-1001-84 in 2020 total $16,000. The patent has an expected useful life of 5 years. Record these costs in journal entry form. Also, record patent amortization (full year) in 2020.

c. In 2021, the company successfully defends the patent in extended litigation at a cost of $47,200, thereby extending the patent life to December 31, 2028. What is the proper way to account for this cost? Also, record patent amortization (full year) in 2021.

d. Additional engineering and consulting costs incurred in 2021 required to advance the design of a product to the manufacturing stage total $60,000. These costs enhance the design of the product considerably. Discuss the proper accounting treatment for this cost.

Answer 1

a. $325,000 have to be shown as R&D Cost in income statement.

b. Journal entries.

	$	$
R&D Expense	110,000.00
Cash		110,000.00
Patent Expense(See note below the table)	3200.00
Patent		3200.00

Note : Patent amortization = $16,000/5years = $3200

c. Journal Entries

	$	$
Patent	47,200.00
Cash		47,200.00
(Legal cost have to be capitalized)
Patent expense (See note below the table)	7,500.00
Patent		7500.00

Note: Patent Amortization.

	$
Balance amount to be amortized (16,000-3,200)	12,800.00
Add: Legal Cost	47,200.00
Total	60,000.00
Amortization for 8 Years ($60,000/8years)	7,500

d. Engineering and consulting cost of $60,000 incurred in 2021 is development cost, Hence it have to be treated as operative expense.