Taxing IP

'Taxation of Intellectual Property Under Domestic Law and Tax Treaties: Australia' by Celeste Black in Guglielmo Maisto (ed), Taxation of Intellectual Property under Domestic Law, EU Law and Tax Treaties (IBFD, 2018) comments

 This chapter examines the operation of Australia’s domestic tax law and tax treaties in relation to transactions involving intellectual property (IP). It reviews the legal protections provided under Australia’s general law in relation to copyright, patents, trademarks and confidential information and considers the legal distinction between alienation of IP and granting the right to use IP (licencing). The application of domestic tax laws (income tax, depreciation rules and capital gains tax) to disposals and licencing transactions involving IP is considered before moving to cross-border transactions and the operation of royalty withholding tax. Australia’s tax treaty practice is then examined, specifically Article 12 (royalties) and the interaction with Article 7 (business profits). Special issues considered include: software, know how, equipment leasing, technical services and distinguishing royalties from payments for services.