Where reliable comparable uncontrolled transactions can be identified, the CUP method can be applied to determine the arm’s length conditions for a transfer of intangibles or rights in intangibles. The general principles contained in paragraphs 2.14 to 2.26 apply when the CUP method is used in connection with transactions involving the transfer of intangibles. Where the CUP method is utilised in connection with the transfer of intangibles, particular consideration must be given to the comparability of the intangibles or rights in intangibles transferred in the controlled transaction and in the potential comparable uncontrolled transactions. The economically relevant characteristics or comparability factors described in Section D. 1 of Chapter I should be considered. The matters described in Sections D.2. 1 to D.2.4 of this chapter are of particular importance in evaluating the comparability of specific transferred intangibles and in making comparability adjustments, where possible. It should be recognised that the identification of reliable comparables in many cases involving intangibles may be difficult or impossible.
TPG2022 Chapter VI paragraph 6.146
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By OECD
Category: OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines (2022), TPG2022 Chapter VI: Special Considerations for Intangibles | Tag: Application of the CUP method, Comparable Uncontrolled Price method (CUP), Intangibles, Lack of comparables, Valuation
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- TPG2022 Chapter VI paragraph 6.147In some situations, intangibles acquired by an MNE group from independent enterprises are transferred to a member of the MNE group in a controlled transaction immediately following the acquisition. In such a case the price paid for the acquired intangibles will often (after any appropriate adjustments, including adjustments for acquired...
- TPG2022 Chapter VI paragraph 6.145The transfer pricing methods most likely to prove useful in matters involving transfers of one or more intangibles are the CUP method and the transactional profit split method. Valuation techniques can be useful tools. Supplemental guidance on the transfer pricing methods most likely to be useful in connection with transfers...
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- TPG2022 Chapter VI paragraph 6.138However, it will often be the case in matters involving transfers of intangibles or rights in intangibles that the comparability analysis (including the functional analysis) reveals that there are no reliable comparable uncontrolled transactions that can be used to determine the arm’s length price and other conditions. This can occur...
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- TPG2022 Chapter VI paragraph 6.212In appropriate circumstances, transfer pricing methods or valuation techniques not dependent on the identification of reliable comparable uncontrolled transactions may also be utilised to determine arm’s length conditions for the sale of goods or the provision of services where intangibles are used in connection with the transaction. The alternative selected...
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- TPG2022 Chapter VI paragraph 6.144The provisions of paragraph 2.10 related to the use of rules of thumb apply to determinations of a correct transfer price in any controlled transaction, including cases involving the use or transfer of intangibles. Accordingly, a rule of thumb cannot be used to evidence that a price or apportionment of...
- TPG2022 Chapter VI paragraph 6.143However, in some limited circumstances, transfer pricing methods based on the estimated cost of reproducing or replacing the intangible may be utilised. Such approaches may sometimes have valid application with regard to the development of intangibles used for internal business operations (e.g. internal software systems), particularly where the intangibles in...
- TPG2022 Chapter VI paragraph 6.142The use of transfer pricing methods that seek to estimate the value of intangibles based on the cost of intangible development is generally discouraged. There rarely is any correlation between the cost of developing intangibles and their value or transfer price once developed. Hence, transfer pricing methods based on the...
Supplemental Guidance
- EU Study on the Application of Economic Valuation Techniques (2016)Application of Economic Valuation Techniques for Determining Transfer Prices of Cross Border Transactions....
- EU – JTPF Report on the Application of Economic Valuation Techniques (2017)The Study on the Application of Economic Valuation Techniques for Determining Transfer Prices of Cross Border Transactions between Members of Multinational Enterprise Groups in the EU provides an overview on how valuation techniques can practically and most efficiently be used for transfer pricing purposes in the EU, particularly for transactions...