2.19. Intangible assets

Intangible assets acquired in a separate transaction are initially measured at acquisition or development cost.

The Group determines whether the useful life of intangible assets is defined or indefinite. Intangible assets with defined useful life are amortised over their useful life and tested for impairment each time when an impairment trigger occurs, at least once a year. The period and method of amortization for intangible assets with defined useful life are verified at the end of each financial year. Changes in the expected useful life or the manner of consuming economic benefits arising from a given asset are recognised through a change in the amortization period or method, respectively, and treated as changes in estimates. Amortization charges on intangible assets with a defined useful life are recognised in the statement of profit or loss under “Amortization”.

Except for research and development works, internally generated intangible assets are not recognised as assets, and expenditures on their generation are charged to the statement of profit or loss for the year in which they have been incurred.

Intangible assets with indefinite useful life and those not used are annually tested for impairment individually or on the level of cash generating unit. Other intangible assets are subject to annual impairment tests.

Purchased software licenses are capitalized in the amount of costs incurred for the purchase of a given software and its adaptation for use. Capitalized costs are amortised over an estimated useful life of the software. Software development or maintenance costs are charged to expenses when incurred. Expenditure directly related to the production of identifiable and unique computer programs controlled by the Group, which will probably bring economic benefits exceeding the expenditure within a period exceeding one year, is classified to intangible assets. Direct costs include personnel expenses related to software development and a corresponding portion of general expenses. Costs related to software development, included in the initial value of assets, are amortised over the estimated useful life of these assets.

Amortization of intangible assets is calculated using the straight-line method in order to spread out the initial asset value or its amount revalued over the useful life, different for each intangible asset group:

• licenses 14.0 – 50.0%
• copyrights 20.0 – 50.0%

The useful lives of intangible assets are verified at the end of each reporting period and adjusted if necessary.

Amortised intangible assets are tested for impairment in each case when events or circumstances indicate that their balance sheet amount may be irrecoverable. In such cases, the balance sheet amount is immediately reduced to the recoverable amount if the former exceeds the estimated level of the latter. The recoverable amount is equal to the fair value less the sell costs or the value in use, whichever is higher.

Gain or loss from disposal of intangible assets is determined by comparison of sales proceeds with their balance sheet amount and recognised in the statement of profit or loss in other operating income or expenses.