alternative future use

ASC 350-985 is a link-only subtopic: it contains no substantive rules of its own but points readers to Subtopic 985-20 for the capitalization of computer software costs as intangible assets. Specifically, it directs users to 985-20-25-3 (costs of producing product masters incurred after technological feasibility is established) and 985-20-25-10 (purchased software having an alternative future use).

ASC 730-10 governs the identification and accounting for research and development (R&D) costs. The core rule is that R&D costs within scope are charged to expense when incurred (730-10-25-1), because future benefits are too uncertain and unmeasurable to support asset recognition (730-10-05-2 through 05-3). The subtopic also defines which activities count as R&D, which cost elements are R&D costs, and requires disclosure of total R&D expense for each income statement period.