Patents, Trademark Rights and Other Intangibles (FASB ASC 350-30 General Intangibles Other than Goodwill)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Patents, Trademark Rights and Other Intangibles (FASB ASC 350-30 General Intangibles Other than Goodwill)

(5) Patents, Trademark Rights and Other Intangibles (FASB ASC 350-30 General Intangibles Other than Goodwill)

During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company decided not to pursue certain patents in various countries for strategic reasons and recorded abandonment charges of $215,000, $446,000 and $176,000, respectively, which are included in research and development. Amortization expense was $34,000, $31,000 and $20,000 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The total cost of the patents was $1,005,000 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The accumulated amortization as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 is $143,000 and $144,000, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, additions to patents costs were $250,000 and $258,000, respectively.

Amortization of patents and trademarks for each of the next five years is as follows: 2016 - $34,000; 2017 - $34,000; 2018 - $34,000; 2019 - $34,000 and 2020 - $34,000. No amortization expense is recognized related to patents that are pending.