Tag: Pharmaceutical

Kenya vs Beta Healthcare International Limited, February 2024, Tax Appeals Tribunal, Appeals No 866 of 2022 - [2024] KETAT 143 (KLR)

Kenya vs Beta Healthcare International Limited, February 2024, Tax Appeals Tribunal, Appeals No 866 of 2022 – [2024] KETAT 143 (KLR)

Following an audit of Beta Healthcare International Limited, a Kenyan subsidiary in the Aspen Healthcare Group, the tax authorities issued a notice of additional taxable income relating to controlled transactions, in which they had determined the arm’s length price for controlled transactions using the CUP method instead of the TNM-method as applied by the company. Beta Healthcare International Limited appealed to the Tax Appeals Tribunal, arguing that the tax authorities had failed in its characterisation of the company, failed to consider the comparability factors of the transactions and misapplied the transfer pricing guidelines. Decision of the Tax Appeals Tribunal The Tribunal dismissed the appeal and ruled in favour of the tax authorities. Excerpts “(…) 134. The Tribunal reviewed the parties’ pleadings and established that the Appellant attached the disputed information to its pleadings. However, the Respondent, both in its pleadings and orally at the hearing, urged that the information was never provided to it. Further, while the Appellant stated that ... Read more
France vs SAS Arrow Génériques, September 2023, Court of Administrative Appeal, Case No 22LY00087

France vs SAS Arrow Génériques, September 2023, Court of Administrative Appeal, Case No 22LY00087

SAS Arrow Génériques is in the business of distributing generic medicinal products mainly to the pharmacy market, but also to the hospital market in France. It is 82.22% owned by its Danish parent company, Arrow Groupe ApS, which is itself a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Maltese company Arrow International Limited. In 2010 and 2011, SAS Arrow Génériques paid royalties to its Danish parent, Arrow Group ApS, and to a related party in the UK, Breath Ltd. According to the French tax authorities, the royalties constituted a benefit in kind granted to Arrow Group ApS and Breath Ltd, since SAS Arrow Génériques had not demonstrated the reality and nature of the services rendered and had therefore failed to justify the existence and value of the consideration that it would have received from the payment of these royalties, which constitutes an indirect transfer of profits to related companies. On appeal, the Administrative Court decided in favour of SAS Arrow Génériques. The tax ... Read more
Czech Republic vs. Eli Lilly ČR, s.r.o., August 2023, Supreme Administrative Court, No. 6 Afs 125/2022 - 65

Czech Republic vs. Eli Lilly ČR, s.r.o., August 2023, Supreme Administrative Court, No. 6 Afs 125/2022 – 65

Eli Lilly ČR imports pharmaceutical products purchased from Eli Lilly Export S.A. (Swiss sales and marketing hub) into the Czech Republic and Slovakia and distributes them to local distributors. The arrangement between the Czech company and the Swiss company is based on a Service Contract in which Eli Lilly ČR is named as the service provider to Eli Lilly Export S.A. (the principal). Eli Lilly ČR was selling the products at a lower price than the price it purchased them for from Eli Lilly Export S.A. According to the company this was due to local price controls of pharmaceuticals. However, Eli Lilly ČR was also paid for providing marketing services by the Swiss HQ, which ensured that Eli Lilly ČR was profitable, despite selling the products at a loss. Eli Lilly ČR reported the marketing services as a provision of services with the place of supply outside of the Czech Republic; therefore, the income from such supply was exempt from ... Read more
Israel vs Medtronic Ventor Technologies Ltd, June 2023, District Court, Case No 31671-09-18

Israel vs Medtronic Ventor Technologies Ltd, June 2023, District Court, Case No 31671-09-18

In 2008 and 2009 the Medtronic group acquired the entire share capital of the Israeli company, Ventor Technologies Ltd, for a sum of $325 million. Subsequent to the acquisition various inter-company agreements were entered into between Ventor Technologies Ltd and Medtronics, but no transfer of intangible assets was recognised by the Group for tax purposes. The tax authorities found that all the intangibles previously owned by Ventor had been transferred to Medtronic and issued an assessment of additional taxable profits. An appeal was filed by Medtronic Ventor Technologies Ltd. Judgement of the District Court The court dismissed the appeal and upheld the assessment issued by the tax authorities. Click here for English translation Israel vs medtronic-ventor ORG ... Read more
Czech Republic vs. Eli Lilly ČR, s.r.o., December 2022, Supreme Administrative Court, No. 7 Afs 279/2021 - 65

Czech Republic vs. Eli Lilly ČR, s.r.o., December 2022, Supreme Administrative Court, No. 7 Afs 279/2021 – 65

Eli Lilly ČR imports pharmaceutical products purchased from Eli Lilly Export S.A. (Swiss sales and marketing hub) into the Czech Republic and Slovakia and distributes them to local distributors. The arrangement between the local company and Eli Lilly Export S.A. is based on a Service Contract in which Eli Lilly ČR is named as the service provider to Eli Lilly Export S.A. (the principal). Eli Lilly ČR was selling the products at a lower price than the price it purchased them for from Eli Lilly Export S.A. According to the company this was due to local price controls of pharmaceuticals. At the same time, Eli Lilly ČR was also paid for providing marketing services by the Swiss HQ, which ensured that Eli Lilly ČR was profitable, despite selling the products at a loss. Eli Lilly ČR reported the marketing services as a provision of services with the place of supply outside of the Czech Republic; therefore, the income from such ... Read more
Luxembourg vs "TR Swap SARL", November 2022, Administrative Tribunal, Case No 43535

Luxembourg vs “TR Swap SARL”, November 2022, Administrative Tribunal, Case No 43535

The owner of a buy sell distributor in the pharmaceutical sector had entered into a total return swap with the company and on that basis the company had deducted a commission corresponding to 85% of net profits from its taxable income. The tax authorities disallowed the deduction claiming the swap-arrangement was not at arm’s length. The commission-payments received by the owner was instead considered a non-deductible hidden distribution of profits (dividend) and a withholding tax of 15% was applied. An appeal was filed with the Administrative Tribunal. Judgement of the Administrative Tribunal The Tribunal found the appeal of “TR Swap SARL” unfounded and decided in favor of the tax authorities. Excerpt “However, the court is obliged to note that the commissions paid to Mr … on the basis of the … and corresponding to 85% of the net profits of the company … amount to … euros, … euros, … euros and … euros during the disputed tax years 2014 ... Read more
Israel vs Medingo Ltd, May 2022, District Court, Case No 53528-01-16

Israel vs Medingo Ltd, May 2022, District Court, Case No 53528-01-16

In April 2010 Roche pharmaceutical group acquired the entire share capital of the Israeli company, Medingo Ltd, for USD 160 million. About six months after the acquisition, Medingo was entered into 3 inter-group service agreements: a R&D services agreement, pursuant to which Medingo was to provide R&D services in exchange for cost + 5%. All developments under the agreement would be owned by Roche. a services agreement according to which Medingo was to provided marketing, administration, consultation and support services in exchange for cost + 5%. a manufacturing agreement, under which Medingo was to provide manufacturing and packaging services in exchange for cost + 5. A license agreement was also entered, according to which Roche could now manufacture, use, sell, exploit, continue development and sublicense to related parties the Medingo IP in exchange for 2% of the relevant net revenues. Finally, in 2013, Medingo’s operation in Israel was terminated and its IP sold to Roche for approximately USD 45 million ... Read more
TPG2022 Chapter II Annex II example 1

TPG2022 Chapter II Annex II example 1

1. Company A is the parent company of an MNE group in the pharmaceutical sector. Company A owns a patent for a new pharmaceutical formulation. Company A designed the clinical trials and performed the research and development functions during the early stages of the development of the product, leading to the granting of the patent. 2. Company A enters into a contract with Company S, a subsidiary of Company A, according to which Company A licenses the patent rights relating to the potential pharmaceutical product to Company S. In accordance with the contract, Company S conducts the subsequent development of the product and performs important enhancement functions. Company S obtains the authorisation from the relevant regulatory body. The development of the product is successful and it is sold in various markets around the world. 3. The accurate delineation of the transaction indicates that the contributions made by both Company A and Company S are unique and valuable to the development ... Read more

TPG2022 Chapter VI paragraph 6.123

In conducting a comparability analysis, it may be important to consider the stage of development of particular intangibles. It is often the case that an intangible is transferred in a controlled transaction at a point in time before it has been fully demonstrated that the intangible will support commercially viable products. A common example arises in the pharmaceutical industry, where chemical compounds may be patented, and the patents (or rights to use the patents) transferred in controlled transactions, well in advance of the time when further research, development and testing demonstrates that the compound constitutes a safe and effective treatment for a particular medical condition ... Read more
Panama vs "Pharma Distributor S.A.", July 2021, Administrative Tax Court, Case No TAT-RF-066

Panama vs “Pharma Distributor S.A.”, July 2021, Administrative Tax Court, Case No TAT-RF-066

An adjustment for FY 2013 and 2014 had been issued to a pharmaceutical company in Panama “Pharma Distributor S.A” that resulted in an income adjustment of 19.5 million dollars, which in turn resulted in additional taxes of 2.4 million dollars. The resale price method had been used by Pharma Distributor S.A. to determine the market value of an asset acquired from a related entity that was sold to an independent entity. This method was rejected by the tax authorities based on the fact that the analysis presented by the taxpayer did not meet the requirements for application of the method. The tax authorities instead applied a TNMM. The tax authorities also rejected tax deductions for expenses purportedly paid for administrative services due to the absence of supporting documentation. Provisions of article 762-G “Administrative services received” in the Tax Code in Panama contemplates tax deductibility for such expenses exclusively when services have actually been rendered to the benefit of the recipient ... Read more
Poland vs A S.A., June 2021, Provincial Administrative Court, Case No I SA/Gl 1649/20

Poland vs A S.A., June 2021, Provincial Administrative Court, Case No I SA/Gl 1649/20

The business activity of A S.A. was wholesale of pharmaceutical products to external pharmacies, hospitals, wholesalers (including: to affiliated wholesalers). The tax authority had noted that the company’s name had been changed in FY 2013, and a loss in the amount of PLN […] had been reported in the company’s tax return. An audit revealed that the Company had transferred significant assets (real estate) to a related entity on non-arm’s length terms. The same real estate was then going forward made available to the company on a fee basis under lease and tenancy agreements. The tax authority issued an assessment where a “restructuring fee” in the amount of PLN […] was added to the taxable income, reflecting the amount which would have been achieved if the transaction had been agreed between independent parties. According to the company the tax authority was not entitled at all to examine the compliance of the terms of these transactions with the terms that would ... Read more
Bristol-Myers Squibb in Dispute with IRS over "Abusive Offshore Scheme"

Bristol-Myers Squibb in Dispute with IRS over “Abusive Offshore Scheme”

According to the IRS, Bristol-Myers Squibb reduces its U.S. taxes by holding valuable intangibles in an Irish subsidiary. In a legal analysis, the IRS concluded that the Irish scheme saves Bristol-Myers Squibb up to $1.38 billion in US taxes. From Bristol-Myers Squibb’s 2019 10-K form, “Note 7. Income Taxes” “BMS is currently under examination by a number of tax authorities which have proposed or are considering proposing material adjustments to tax positions for issues such as transfer pricing, certain tax credits and the deductibility of certain expenses. It is reasonably possible that new issues will be raised by tax authorities which may require adjustments to the amount of unrecognized tax benefits; however, an estimate of such adjustments cannot reasonably be made at this time. It is also reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2019 could decrease in the range of approximately $290 million to $330 million in the next twelve months as a ... Read more
Spain vs BIOMERIEUX ESPAÑA SA, February 2021, National Court, Case No 2021:416

Spain vs BIOMERIEUX ESPAÑA SA, February 2021, National Court, Case No 2021:416

BIOMERIEUX ESPAÑA SA is active in the business of clinical and biological analysis, production, distribution, training and technical assistance. Likewise, the provision of computer services and, in particular, the computer management of laboratories. Following an audit the tax authorities found that the controlled prices agreed for the acquisition of instruments and consumables between bioMérieux España and its related entities, bioMérieux SA and bioMérieux Inc, did not provided bioMérieux España with an arm’s length return on is controlled activities. A tax assessment was issued for FY 2008 on the basis af a thorough critical analysis of the benchmark study provided by the BIOMERIEUX, and detailed reasoning and analysis in regards to comparability and market developments. Judgement of the National Court The Audiencia Nacional dismissed the appeal of Biomerieux España SA and decided in favour of the tax authorities. Excerpts “As we already reasoned in our SAN (2nd) of 6 March 2019 (Rec. 353/2015 ), it is legitimate to resort to what ... Read more
Ireland vs Perrigo, November 2020, High Court, Case No[2020] IEHC 552 (Juridical Review)

Ireland vs Perrigo, November 2020, High Court, Case No[2020] IEHC 552 (Juridical Review)

Perrigo has lost is request for overturning a €1.64 billion tax assessment in a judicial review by the Irish High Court. The contention of the Irish Revenue is that a transaction (involving the disposal of intellectual property rights) which has been treated as part of the trade of Perrigo in its corporation tax returns should properly have been treated as a capital transaction. When treated as a capital transaction an effective tax rate of 33% is applied rather than the usual 12.5% rate. The Irish Revenue’s qualification of the transfer in question as an capital transaction results in additional taxes in the amount of €1,636,047,645. The transaction involved the sale to Biogen, in 2013, of Perrigo’s remaining 50% interest in the intellectual property relating to a pharmaceutical product sold under the brand name Tysabri which is used to treat multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease. “Perrigo explains that from 1st January, 2000, EPIL [Elan Pharma International Ltd] began to fund the continued ... Read more
Canada vs Bayer Inc. July 2020, Federal Court, T-272-19

Canada vs Bayer Inc. July 2020, Federal Court, T-272-19

Bayer Inc, is a Canadian subsidiary of Bayer AG Germany. Bayer is a multinational group of companies in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry . Since 2016, the Canada Revenue Agency has been auditing Bayer Inc. 2013-2015 taxation years. Between December 2017 and August 2018, the CRA made a series of requests to Bayer Canada for copies of agreements that had been negotiated at arm’s length with respect to the activities that are being examined in the audit. On August 21, 2018, the CRA issued Query No 17 to Bayer Canada, in which it revised its previous requests as follows: Pursuant to our discussion on July 18, 2018, we would like to audit agreements made between any member of the Bayer Group with third party(s) in force during the 2013 and 2014 taxation years that perform some or all of the following activities in regards to pharmaceutical products: ‐  Are located in an Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”) member ... Read more
Czech Republic vs. Eli Lilly ČR, s.r.o., December 2019, District Court of Praque, No. 6 Afs 90/2016 - 62

Czech Republic vs. Eli Lilly ČR, s.r.o., December 2019, District Court of Praque, No. 6 Afs 90/2016 – 62

Eli Lilly ČR imports pharmaceutical products purchased from Eli Lilly Export S.A. (Swiss sales and marketing hub) into the Czech Republic and Slovakia and distributes them to local distributors. The arrangement between the local company and Eli Lilly Export S.A. is based on a Service Contract in which Eli Lilly ČR is named as the service provider to Eli Lilly Export S.A. (the principal). Eli Lilly ČR was selling the products at a lower price than the price it purchased them for from Eli Lilly Export S.A. According to the company this was due to local price controls of pharmaceuticals. Eli Lilly ČR was also paid for providing marketing services by the Swiss HQ, which ensured that Eli Lilly ČR was profitable, despite selling the products at a loss. Eli Lilly ČR reported the marketing services as a provision of services with the place of supply outside of the Czech Republic; therefore, the income from such supply was exempt from ... Read more
Italy vs J.T.G.P. spa, September 2019, Lombardi Regional Tribunal, Case No 928/20/2019

Italy vs J.T.G.P. spa, September 2019, Lombardi Regional Tribunal, Case No 928/20/2019

The Italian company J.T.G.P spa, a subsidiary in a multinational pharma group ALPHA J, had recorded operating losses for fiscal years 1997 to 2013, where, at a consolidated level, the group had showed positive results. According to the Italian tax authorities, the reason why the Italian company was still in operation was due to the fact that the group had an interest in keeping an international profile, and to that end the Italian company performed marketing activities benefiting the Group. An assessment was issued where the taxable income of the Italian company was added compensation for inter-company marketing services carried out by the Italian company on behalf of the group. The company argued that the pharmaceutical market and the governmental policy on the prices of medicines in Italy was the reason for the losses. In support of this claim the company submitted broad documentary evidence during the audit. Judgement of the regional Court The Court held in favor of the ... Read more
Perrigo facing billion dollar tax assessments in both Ireland and the US

Perrigo facing billion dollar tax assessments in both Ireland and the US

In July 2013 the Irish pharma company Elan was acquired by the US based Perrigo group for $8.6 billion (£5.6 billion). Ireland’s corporation tax rate was one of the main attractions for Perrigo and the deal was said to give Perrigo substantial tax savings due to a corporate tax inversion. The Irish 12.5 % corporate tax rate compared US rate of 30 % was further augmented by the trading losses built up over a number of years by Elan in its business as a drug development group. That meant that even with a $3.25 billion transaction like Elan’s sale of the rights to the multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri the company would still not have to pay any tax. The low-tax scenario envisioned by Perrigo did not last for long. First Perrigo was issued a $1.9 billion tax bill (excluding interest and penalties) by the Irish tax authorities for incorrect transfer pricing related to its sale of a 50% interest in Tysabri ... Read more
Switzerland vs R&D Pharma, December 2018, Tribunal fédéral suisse, 2C_11/2018

Switzerland vs R&D Pharma, December 2018, Tribunal fédéral suisse, 2C_11/2018

The Swiss company X SA (hereinafter: the Company or the Appellant), is part of the multinational pharmaceutical group X, whose parent holding is X BV (hereinafter referred to as the parent company) in Netherlands, which company owns ten subsidiaries, including the Company and company X France SAS (hereinafter: the French company). According to the appendices to the accounts, the parent company did not employ any employees in 2006 or in 2007, on the basis of a full-time employment contract. In 2010 and 2011, an average of three employees worked for this company. By agreement of July 5, 2006, the French company undertook to carry out all the works and studies requested by the parent company for a fee calculated on the basis of their cost, plus a margin of 15%. The French company had to communicate to the parent company any discoveries or results relating to the work entrusted to it. It should also keep the parent company informed of ... Read more
Pharma and Tax Avoidance, Report from Oxfam

Pharma and Tax Avoidance, Report from Oxfam

New Oxfam research shows that four pharmaceutical corporations — Abbott, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and Pfizer — systematically allocate super profits in overseas tax havens. In eight advanced economies, pharmaceutical profits averaged 7 percent, while in seven developing countries they averaged 5 percent. In comparison, profits margins averaged 31 percent in countries with low or no corporate tax rates – Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands and Singapore. The report exposes how pharmaceutical corporations uses sophisticated tax planning to avoid taxes. cr-prescription-for-poverty-pharma-180918-en ... Read more
TPG2017
  Chapter II Annex II example 1

TPG2017 Chapter II Annex II example 1

1. Company A is the parent company of an MNE group in the pharmaceutical sector. Company A owns a patent for a new pharmaceutical formulation. Company A designed the clinical trials and performed the research and development functions during the early stages of the development of the product, leading to the granting of the patent. 2. Company A enters into a contract with Company S, a subsidiary of Company A, according to which Company A licenses the patent rights relating to the potential pharmaceutical product to Company S. In accordance with the contract, Company S conducts the subsequent development of the product and performs important enhancement functions. Company S obtains the authorisation from the relevant regulatory body. The development of the product is successful and it is sold in various markets around the world. 3. The accurate delineation of the transaction indicates that the contributions made by both Company A and Company S are unique and valuable to the development ... Read more

TPG2018 Chapter II paragraph 2.167

One possible approach is to split the relevant profits based on the division of profits that actually is observed in comparable uncontrolled transactions. Examples of possible sources of information on uncontrolled transactions that might usefully assist the determination of criteria to split the profits, depending on the facts and circumstances of the case, include joint-venture arrangements between independent parties under which profits are shared, such as development projects in the oil and gas industry; pharmaceutical collaborations, co-marketing or co-promotion agreements; arrangements between independent music record labels and music artists; uncontrolled arrangements in the financial services sector, etc ... Read more
Italy vs Recordati Industria Chimica e Farmaceutica S.p.A, September 2017, Supreme Court, Case No 20805

Italy vs Recordati Industria Chimica e Farmaceutica S.p.A, September 2017, Supreme Court, Case No 20805

Recordati Industria Chimica e Farmaceutica S.p.A had been issued an assessment by the tax authorities for FY 2003 on various issues related to transfer pricing. Recordati Industria Chimica e Farmaceutica S.p.A. disagreed with the assessment and brought the case to court. The Regional Tax Commission of Lombardy (Ctr) issued a decision where it partially annulled the assessment. This decision was challenged both by the tax authorities and Recordati Industria Chimica e Farmaceutica S.p.A. Judgement of the Supreme Court Before the Supreme Court there were 29 issues to be resolved. The Supreme Court predominantly ruled in favour of the tax authorities. The court confirms that transfer pricing adjustments are applicable even in the absence of proof by the administration of a concrete tax advantage by the taxpayer. The shift of taxable income following transactions between companies belonging to the same group and subject to different national regulations, does not require the administration to prove the elusive function, but only the existence ... Read more

IRS vs Boston Scientific and Guidant, Settlement of $1billion dispute

Just days before trial, Boston Scientific Corp. has agreed to pay the Internal Revenue Service $275 million plus interest to settle more than $1 billion in disputed taxes dating back more than a decade. Boston Scientific has long disputed the IRS’ assertions that the company and its Guidant subsidiary have underpaid corporate taxes by as much as $1.16 billion. The dispute centers on “transfer pricing” and the amount of taxes owed to the United States for intellectual property transferred among its domestic and foreign subsidiaries. The primary issue for all years is related to transfer pricing established under technology license agreements between domestic and foreign subsidiaries of Guidant — how much one subsidiary of the company paid another for the intellectual property necessary to manufacture, sell or market medical devices ... Read more
US vs. Medtronic Inc. June 2016, US Tax Court

US vs. Medtronic Inc. June 2016, US Tax Court

The IRS argued that Medtronic Inc failed to accurately account for the value of trade secrets and other intangibles owned by Medtronic Inc and used by Medtronic’s Puerto Rico manufacturing subsidiary in 2005 and 2006 when determening the royalty payments from the subsidiary. In 2016 the United States Tax Court found in favor of Medtronic, sustaining the use of the CUT method to analyze royalty payments. The Court also found that adjustments to the CUT were required. These included additional adjustments not initially applied by Medtronic Inc for know-how, profit potential and scope of product. The decision from the United States Tax Court has been appealed by the IRS in 2017. US-Memo-2016-112-Medtronic-v.-Commissioner ... Read more
Italy vs V.I. S.p.A., April 2016, Supreme Court, Case No 8130/2016

Italy vs V.I. S.p.A., April 2016, Supreme Court, Case No 8130/2016

The tax authorities served on V.I. S.p.A. a notices of assessment regarding taxable income declared for FY 2003 – 2006, on the ground that amongst other issues costs for intra-group services had not been determined in accordance with the arm’s length principle. Payments exceeding the normal value measured as 2% of the turnover – of the costs (amounting to € 443,691.69 for the year 2003; € 936,597.50 for the year 2004; € 893,191.58 for the year 2005; € 1. 561. 182.80 for the year 2006) for “intra-group services” rendered by V. S.A. with its registered office in Serravalle (Republic of San Marino), the tax authorities having held that in this case transfer pricing provisions was applicable; An appeal was filed by V.I. S.p.A. that ended up in the Supreme Court where the company claimed (1) that the transactions in question were not controlled and (2) that the pricing determined by the tax authorities was not in accordance with the arm’s ... Read more
Canada vs McKesson Canada Corporation, September 2014, Tax Court, Case No 2014 TCC 266

Canada vs McKesson Canada Corporation, September 2014, Tax Court, Case No 2014 TCC 266

Following the Tax Courts decision in 2013 (2013 TCC 404), Judge Boyle J. in an order from September 2014 recused himself from completing the McKesson Canada proceeding in the Tax Court. This extended to the consideration and disposition of the costs submissions of the parties, as well as to confidential information order of Justice Hogan in this case and its proper final implementation by the Tax Court and its Registry. Postscript An appeal was filed by McKesson with the Federal Court, but the appeal was later withdrawn and a settlement agreed with the tax authorities. In May 2015 McKesson filed a 10-K with the following information regarding the settlement “…Income tax expense included net discrete tax benefits of $33 million in 2015, net discrete tax expenses of $94 million in 2014 and net discrete tax benefits of $29 million in 2013. Discrete tax expense for 2014 primarily related to a $122 million charge regarding an unfavorable decision from the Tax ... Read more
Czech Republic vs. ARROW International CR, a. s., June 2014, Supreme Administrative Court , Case No 7 Afs 94/2012 – 74

Czech Republic vs. ARROW International CR, a. s., June 2014, Supreme Administrative Court , Case No 7 Afs 94/2012 – 74

The applicant, ARROW International CR, a.s., seeks a judgment of the Supreme Administrative Court annulling the judgment of the Regional Court, and referring the case back to that court for further proceedings. The question of whether the applicant carried out business transactions in the tax year 2005/2006 with a related party (Arrow International, Inc., hereinafter referred to as ‘Arrow US’) in a manner which did not comply with the principles of normal business relations and whether, as a result, the applicant’s basis for calculating the corporate income tax rebate was unjustifiably increased and the special condition for applying the tax rebate under Article 35a(2)(d) of Act No 586/1992 Coll. was breached is decisive for the assessment of the merits of the present case, on income taxes, as in force until 31 December 2006 (‘the Income Tax Act’). Pursuant to Section 35(6) of the same Act, such an act has the effect that the entitlement to the discount ceases and the ... Read more
Indonesia vs Roche Indonesia, February 2014, Tax Court, Put.53966/2014

Indonesia vs Roche Indonesia, February 2014, Tax Court, Put.53966/2014

In the case of Roche Indonesia the tax authorities had disallowed deductions for royalties paid by the local company to F. Hoffmann-La Roche & Co. Deductions for marketing and and Promotions costs paid by the local company had also been disallowed. Judgement of the Tax Court The court decided predominantly in favour of the tax authorities. Roche Indonesia had been unable to prove the value, existence and ultimate owner of intangible assets for which the royalty was paid. In regards to the disallowed deductions of cost related to marketing and and promotions half of the costs were allowed and the other half disallowed. Click here for translation putusan_put.50616_pp_m.xii_b_15_2014_20210530 ... Read more
Canada vs McKesson Canada Corporation, December 2013, Tax Court of Canada, Case No. 2013 TCC 404

Canada vs McKesson Canada Corporation, December 2013, Tax Court of Canada, Case No. 2013 TCC 404

McKesson is a multinational group engaged in the wholesale distribution of pharmaceuticals. Its Canadian subsidiary, McKesson Canada, entered into a factoring agreement in 2002 with its ultimate parent, McKesson International Holdings III Sarl in Luxembourg. Under the terms of the agreement, McKesson International Holdings III Sarl agreed to purchase the receivables for approximately C$460 million and committed to purchase all eligible receivables as they arise for the next five years. The receivables were priced at a discount of 2.206% to face value. The funds to purchase the accounts receivable were borrowed in Canadian dollars from an indirect parent company of McKesson International Holdings III Sarl in Ireland and guaranteed by another indirect parent company in Luxembourg. At the time the factoring agreement was entered into, McKesson Canada had sales of $3 billion and profits of $40 million, credit facilities with major financial institutions in the hundreds of millions of dollars, a large credit department that collected receivables within 30 days ... Read more
Canada vs. GlaxoSmithKline Inc., October 2012, Supreme Court, Case No SCC 52

Canada vs. GlaxoSmithKline Inc., October 2012, Supreme Court, Case No SCC 52

The Supreme Court of Canada ruled in the case of GlaxoSmithKline Inc. regarding the intercompany prices established for purchases of ranitidine, the active ingredient in the anti-ulcer drug Zantac, from a related party during the years 1990 to 1993. The Supreme Court partially reversed an earlier decision of the Tax Court and affirmed a decision of the Federal Court of Appeal in concluding that other transactions should be taken into account when determining whether transfer prices are reasonable. However, the Supreme Court did not determine whether the transfer pricing methodology used by GlaxoSmithKline Inc. was reasonable and instead remanded the matter to the Tax Court. Canada_Glaxo_Supreme-Court ... Read more
Spain vs. Roche, January 2012, Supreme Court, Case No. 1626/2008

Spain vs. Roche, January 2012, Supreme Court, Case No. 1626/2008

Prior to a business restructuring in 1999, the Spanish subsidiary, Roche Vitaminas S.A., was a full-fledged distributor, involved in manufacturing, importing, and selling the pharmaceutical products in the Spanish and Portuguese markets. In 1999 the Spanish subsidiary and the Swiss parent, Roche Vitamins Europe Ltd., entered into a manufacturing agreement and a distribution agreement. Under the manufacturing agreement, the Spanish subsidiary manufactured products  according to directions and using formulas, know-how, patents, and trademarks from the Swiss parent. These manufacturing activities were remunerated at cost plus 3.3 percent. Under the distribution (agency) agreement, the Spanish subsidiary would “represent, protect and promote” the products. These activities were remunerated at 2 percent of sales. The Spanish subsidiary was now characterized as a contract manufacturer and commission agent and the taxable profits in Spain were much lower than before the business restructuring. The Spanish tax authorities argued that the activities constituted a PE in Spain according to article 5 of DTT between Spain and ... Read more
Türkiye vs Pharmaceutical Industry and Trade Corporation, December 2011, Danıştay Üçüncü Dairesi, E. 2009/2352, K. 2011/7637, UYAP, 20.12.2011.

Türkiye vs Pharmaceutical Industry and Trade Corporation, December 2011, Danıştay Üçüncü Dairesi, E. 2009/2352, K. 2011/7637, UYAP, 20.12.2011.

A Turkeys Pharma Company carried out drug production, import and sales operations, and had purchased different active ingredients from foreign group companies. Following an audit the tax office found that the prices paid by the Pharma Company for six ingredients had been above the market price resulting in a hidden distribution of profits. A price study was performed for similar active ingredients suggesting price deviations ranging from 167 – 975 % Table 2: Price deviation from market price Theophylline 167.26% ibuprofen 478.34% Fluoxetine 975.15% Hyoscine-N-Butilbrüm 150.13% Povidone Iodine 176.83% metamizolesodi 260.05% An assessment was issued where the cost of the ingredients – and thus taxable income of the Pharma company – was adjusted based on the price paid for similar active ingredients between unrelated parties. The Pharma Company disagreed with the assessment and brought the case before the tax court. The Tax Court issued a decision in favor of the Pharma company. In a study from the Turkish Pharmaceutical Association ... Read more
India vs. Fulford (India) Limited, July 2011, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal

India vs. Fulford (India) Limited, July 2011, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal

Fulford India Ltd. imported active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from related group companies and sold them in India. The TNM method was used for determening transfer prices. The tax administration found the CUP method to be the most appropriate. Fulford India argued that the CUP method requires stringent comparability and any differences which could materially affect the price in the open market should be taken into consideration. In the pharmaceutical world, APIs whith similar properties may still be different in relation to quality, efficiancy, impurities etc. Therefore, the two products cannot be compared. In court, it was further explained that Fulford also performed secondary manufacturing functions, converting the APIs into formulations. Hence, Fulford could be descriped as a value added distributor. The Court concluded that the selection of the best method should be based on functional analysis and the characterisation of the transactions and the entities. The fact that Fulford had secondary manufacturing activities had not previously been explained to the ... Read more
Sweden vs Ferring AB, June 2011, Swedish Court, Case no 2627-09

Sweden vs Ferring AB, June 2011, Swedish Court, Case no 2627-09

In connection with a restructuring, Ferring Sweden (a Scandinavian pharmaceutical) had transferred intangible assets to a group company in Switzerland. Among the assets transferred was an exclusive worldwide license to manufacture and sell a drug and a number of ongoing R&D projects. The question in the case was whether the price agreed between the Group companies was consistent with the arm’s length principle. The Ferring’s position was that the price was consistent with the arm’s length principle, while the Swedish Tax Agency believed that an arm’s-length price was significantly higher. In support of its pricing, the company had submitted a valuation made by the audit company A, where the value of Ferring after the transfer (the residual company) was compared with the value of the company if it had continued to operate as a full-fledged company (the original company). These values ​​were determined through a present value calculation of the future cash flows in each unit. The difference in value ... Read more
Australia vs. Roche July 2008, Administrative Appeals Tribunal NT 2005/7 & 56-65

Australia vs. Roche July 2008, Administrative Appeals Tribunal NT 2005/7 & 56-65

The Applicant is an Australian subsidiary of the Roche Group, the parent company of which is a resident of Switzerland. Roche is a major pharmaceutical corporation with integrated operations in many countries. It carries on research and development, manufacturing, marketing, selling and distribution of pharmaceuticals, vitamins, chemicals, diagnostic and other products. During the 1993 to 2003 income years (the relevant income years) the Applicant carried on business in Australia marketing, selling and distributing Roche products through three divisions: the Prescription Division (dealing in prescribed drugs), the Consumer Health Division (dealing in over the counter pharmaceuticals) and Diagnostic Products (dealing in diagnostic equipment and supplies). Australia-vs-ROCHE-PRODUCTS-PTY-LTD-July-2008-Administrative-Appeals-Tribunal ... Read more
Korea vs Pharma Corp, September 2007, Supreme Court, Case No 2007두13913

Korea vs Pharma Corp, September 2007, Supreme Court, Case No 2007두13913

A Korean pharma corporation produced and sold finished pharmaceuticals. Active ingredients were imported from foreign related parties in the United States and Ireland. The Korean pharma corporation produced and sold the original finished products by importing the five original patented raw materials that had expired from the patent period in each business period from December 1, 2001 to November 30. The tax authorities calculated the normal price of the original raw materials by a comparable third party pricing method. As for the specific methodology, the median price of imported generic raw materials for other domestic pharmaceutical companies was calculated by multiplying the ratio between the original product and the medical insurance price of the drug (generic finished product) produced by the domestic generic raw material by other domestic pharmaceutical companies. After calculating the normal price of the raw materials, the difference between the original price of the original raw materials and the difference between the original price and the normal ... Read more
US vs Eli Lilly & Co, October 1998, United States Court of Appeals

US vs Eli Lilly & Co, October 1998, United States Court of Appeals

In this case a pharmaceutical company in the US, Eli Lilly & Co, transferred valuable pharmaceutical patents and manufacturing know-how to its subsidiary in Puerto Rico. The IRS argued that the transaction should be disregarded (substance over form) and claimed that all of the income from the transferred intangibles should be allocated to the U.S. parent. The Judgment from the Tax Court: “Respondent’s argument, that petitioner, having originally developed the patents and know-how, is forever required to report the income from those intangibles, is without merit. Respondent ignores the fact that petitioner, as developer and owner of the intangible property, was free to and did transfer the property to the Puerto Ricanaffiliate in 1966.” The Court of Appeals altered the judgement from the Tax Court. According to the Court of Appeals, the parent company had received an arm’s length consideration for the transfer of intangibles in the form of stock in the subsidiary. Hence, the Court disallowed the allocation of ... Read more
Philippines vs CYANAMID PHILIPPINES, INC, August 1995, Tax Court, CTA CASE No. 4724

Philippines vs CYANAMID PHILIPPINES, INC, August 1995, Tax Court, CTA CASE No. 4724

Cyanamid Philippines, INC was engaged in the marketing of various products in the areas of pharmaceutical, animal health and nutrition, and crop protection chemicals as well as medical devices. The tax authorities issued an assessment for deficiency income tax, arising from (a) overstatement of cost of goods due to transfer pricing of products, namely; aurofac and minocycline, which petitioner purchased from its parent company, American Cyanamid; and (b) unnecessary and unreasonable payment of royalties to the latter company for the supply of technical know-how. Judgement of the Tax Court The Court decided in favour of Cyanamid Philippines. According to the court, the tax authorities had acted in an arbitrary, unreasonable, and capricious manner. There were no apparent attempt to verify the comparability of the pharmaceutical products being compared under a comparable uncontrolled price (CUP) method analysis. “It can be gleaned readily from the facts that the physical property and circumstances in the processing and sale of petitioner’s products are not “identical” or ... Read more
France vs. PHARMATIQUE INDUSTRIE, July 1994, CAA, No 92PA01392

France vs. PHARMATIQUE INDUSTRIE, July 1994, CAA, No 92PA01392

The Pharmatique Industrie case shows the high comparability standard required by the courts of France. The tax authorities used five similar license agreements in the same pharmaceutical sector, as comparables in a transfer pricing dispute regarding payments of royalties for the use of knowhow and trademarks. Judgement of the Court The court ruled in favour of the tax authorities. Excerpt “.., is not confirmed by a reading of the contracts attached to the file not only the granting of trademarks for the specialities in question, but also, as in the grants put forward by way of comparison by the administration, of manufacturing processes or know-how, the service must be regarded as providing proof of the exaggerated nature and therefore non-deductible nature of the said royalties in the above-mentioned proportion; that in any case, and without it being necessary to examine whether the royalties are deductible in principle, it follows that the company PHARMATIQUE INDUSTRIE is not entitled to maintain that ... Read more