A Legal analysis of IP transactions under the income tax system

• Main Authors: Li, Jung Chia, 李容嘉
• Other Authors: Robert Su
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2008
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/18188685835897718573

碩士 === 國立政治大學 === 智慧財產研究所 === 96 === Objects of transactions can be tangible property, labor service, and rights. Intellectual property (IP) as right used to manifest its value most indirectly through transactions of tangible property and labor service. In a knowledge-based economy where IP becomes more important than ever before, business models based on direct transactions of IP have gained more popularity. As a result, a systematic research on accounting and taxation issues of IP transactions is urgent. This study aims to examine corporate income tax issues related to sales, collateral-based financing, and usufructs in direct IP transactions. After analyzing potential controversies and their causes and effects, the study proposes some feasible solutions to such disputes. The analysis shows that the existing income tax system does not apply well to direct IP transactions, and such transactions should be considered in future amendments of the Income Tax Act. Next, as IP transactions are usually involved in cross-border transactions and potentially subject to double taxation, given the fact that Taiwan has tax treaties only with a few countries, this study suggests identification of income origin be based on the economic connection so as to avoid unfair double taxation. Thirdly, as copyright lacks a public disclosure system and hence a copyright-backed financing deal may be mistakenly treated as sales rather than transfer guaranty and be unfairly taxed, this study suggests a separate treatment for such transactions. Finally, regarding taxation on stocks exchanged for IP, this study suggests differentiating the timing of taxation for encouraging new venture formation from that for rewarding employees, based on certain proposed criteria.