Licenses of IP that involve variable consideration due to sales- or usage-based royalties are subject to specific guidance about the transaction price. Variable consideration from the license of IP that is based on a sales- or usage-based royalty is excluded from the transaction price until the sale or usage occurs. Entities will need to consider whether their license arrangements fall within this guidance.
The specific guidance in U.S. GAAP regarding the accounting for franchise agreements has been eliminated. Entities that grant franchise rights to third parties will apply the principles for license agreements described above. Franchise agreements common to the retail and consumer industry will often be accounted for as rights to access IP, as the activities of franchisors continue to affect the IP. Sales based royalties will continue be recognized over time, as the subsequent sales occur. The right to access model will require upfront payments to be recognized over time, unless those payments relate to a separate performance