M International (M) and W Inc. (W), a competitor of M, have been engaged in long-standing litigation over a specific patent infringement matter. Below is a summary timeline of specific events that have taken place related to this matter: In May 2017, W filed a claim against M for patent infringement. For the year ended December 31, 2017, management of M determined that a loss for this matter was probable and represented that the estimate of loss was in the range of $15 million to $20 million, with $17 million being the most likely amount of loss within the range. • A jury trial took place in September 2019. • The jury reached a verdict on September 24, 2019, and a judgment was ordered in favor of W. The judgment required to pay W $18.5 million • In November 2019, M filed a Notice of Appeal with the Court of Appeals. In December 2020, the Court of Appeals issued a ruling in favor of M's appeal and reversed the lower court's ruling on the matter. This meant that the Court of Appeals overturned the jury verdict and the $18.5 million judgment against M. On January 6, 2021, W filed a petition for a re-hearing before the same panel of appellate judges against the reversal of ruling by Court of Appeals. . On February 10, 2021, the appellate judges declined the petition for a re-hearing. • On February 28, 2021, management of M determined this matter was closed upon discussions with in-house legal counsel.
Q1: What amount should M include in its financial statements for 2017? Address the amount to record as a liability on the balance sheet as well as any required disclosure notes. Q2: What (financial) impact do the events of 2019 have on the financial statements of 2019? If a contingency loss is to be reported, what is the amount and is that amount an expense in 2019 or an earlier year? Q3: Should record the reduction of the previously recorded loss contingency in 2020 or 2021? Tips for Q3: 1. ASC 450 does not provide specific guidance related to the subsequent accounting of loss contingencies. Look to an analogous situation, specifically environmental liabilities discussed in ASC 410-30-30. Environmental liabilities are a type of loss contingency. 2. Think twice before treating this as a gain contingency. Before you go that direction, read the definition of gain contingency described in ASC 450-30-20.
M International (M) and W Inc. (W), a competitor of M, have been engaged in long-standing litigation over a specific pat
-
answerhappygod
- Site Admin
- Posts: 899604
- Joined: Mon Aug 02, 2021 8:13 am
M International (M) and W Inc. (W), a competitor of M, have been engaged in long-standing litigation over a specific pat
Join a community of subject matter experts. Register for FREE to view solutions, replies, and use search function. Request answer by replying!