Commentary on Sections Overview Overview
787.This Chapter sets out the rules for calculating trade profits if a trader receives a payment for know-how. Payments to non-traders are dealt with by the rules in sections 583 to 586.
788.The Chapter refers to the “disposal” of know-how. As Walton J pointed out in John and E Sturges Ltd v Hessel (1975), 51 TC 183 ChD(6) (on page 206):
“the mere imparting of “know-how” cannot be equated with the disposal of a capital asset. Just like the schoolmaster’s knowledge, it remains the property of the person imparting it as well after as before another is told.”
789.This Act retains “disposal” because “disclosure” gives rise to difficulties in identifying the person to whom the disclosure is made (who may not be the person who buys the know-how).