ERICSSON LM TELEPHONE CO | CIK:0000717826 | 3

  • Filed: 4/20/2018
  • Entity registrant name: ERICSSON LM TELEPHONE CO (CIK: 0000717826)
  • Generator: Donnelley Financial Solutions
  • SEC filing page: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/717826/000119312518124911/0001193125-18-124911-index.htm
  • XBRL Instance: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/717826/000119312518124911/eric-20171231.xml
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  • ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwillExplanatory

    Intangible assets

    Intangible assets other than goodwill

    Intangible assets other than goodwill comprise intangible assets acquired through business combinations, such as patents, customer relations, trademarks and software, as well as capitalized development expenses and separately acquired intangible assets, mainly consisting of software. At initial recognition, acquired intangible assets related to business combinations are stated at fair value and capitalized development expenses and software are stated at cost. Subsequent to initial recognition, these intangible assets are stated at initially recognized amounts less accumulated amortization and any impairment. Amortization and any impairment losses are included in Research and development expenses, which mainly consists of capitalized development expenses and technology; in Selling and administrative expenses, which mainly consists of expenses relating to customer relations and brands; and in Cost of sales.

    Costs incurred for development of products to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed or intended for internal use are capitalized as from when technological and economic feasibility has been established until the product is available for sale or use. Research and development expenses directly related to orders from customers are accounted for as a part of Cost of sales. Other research and development expenses are charged to income as incurred. Amortization of acquired intangible assets, such as patents, customer relations, trademarks, and software, is made according to the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, not exceeding ten years.

    The Company has not recognized any intangible assets with indefinite useful life other than goodwill.

    Impairment tests are performed whenever there is an indication of possible impairment. Tests are performed as for goodwill, see above. However, intangible assets not yet available for use are tested annually.

    Corporate assets have been allocated to cash-generating units in relation to each unit’s proportion of total net sales. The amount related to corporate assets is not significant. Impairment losses recognized in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists.

    In Note C2, “Critical accounting estimates and judgments,” further disclosure is presented in relation to (i) key sources of estimation uncertainty and (ii) the decision made in relation to accounting policies applied.