A tributação pelo Imposto sobre a Renda dos royalties decorrentes do uso de marcas e de patentes

Abstract

This work analyzes the assessment of income tax (IR) on amounts received as royalties under trademark and patent license agreements from a Brazilian tax law perspective. Based on a general scenario, methodological cuts were made and key concepts and premises defined to place marks, inventions, utility models and transgenic microorganisms within the universe of intangible assets. The work also examines the forms of protection granted by the State to these figures (patents and registrations) and the resulting considerations (capital gains and royalties), before entering the specific field of Tax Law. In reliance on the constitutional concept of income and on the contours given by supplementary legislation, an analysis was made of the different modes of income tax assessment on royalties derived from trademark and patent license agreements and of the applicable deductibility rules. Finally, the application of the transfer pricing rules and of international treaties for the avoidance of double taxation was reviewed with respect to royalties received by beneficiaries domiciled in Brazil and abroad, when one of the parties resides in Brazil and the other does not. Concluding, the situations in which income tax is levied and the scope and lawfulness of the restrictions imposed by the maker of ordinary laws at the moment the income tax base is determined were delineated within the current prevailing system of laws