2.	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CopyTele, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, CopyTele International and CopyTele Marketing Inc. ("CopyTele Marketing"). CopyTele International and CopyTele Marketing were incorporated in the British Virgin Islands in 2007. CopyTele International was formed for the purpose of holding the Videocon GDRs. As of October 31, 2011, CopyTele Marketing is inactive. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from sales are recorded when all four of the following criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (ii) delivery has occurred and title has transferred or services have been rendered; (iii) our price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.

 

We have assessed the revenue guidance of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 605-25 "Multiple-Element Arrangements" ("ASC 605-25") to determine whether multiple deliverables in our arrangement with Videocon represent separate units of accounting. Under the Videocon License Agreement, CopyTele is required to: (a) disclose to Videocon the Videocon Licensed Technology and provide reasonable training of Videocon personnel; (b) jointly cooperate with Videocon to produce prototypes prior to production; and (c) assist Videocon in preparing for production. CopyTele has determined that these performance obligations do not have value to Videocon on a standalone basis, as defined in such accounting guidance, and accordingly they do not represent separate units of accounting.

We have established objective and reasonable evidence of fair value for the royalty to be earned from Videocon during the production period based on analysis of the pricing for similar agreements. Since the inception of the Videocon License Agreement, we have not earned any royalty income. In addition, we have determined that the license fee of $11 million to be paid during the pre-production period and royalties on product sales reflects the established fair value for these deliverables. We will recognize the $11 million license fee over the estimated period that we expect to provide cooperation and assistance, limiting the revenue recognized on a cumulative basis to the aggregate license fee payments received from Videocon. As a result of ongoing improvements to our display technology, we have extended the estimated period that we expect to provide cooperation and assistance. We will assess at each reporting period the progress and assistance provided and will continue to evaluate the period during which this fee will be recognized. On this basis, we recognized license fee revenue from Videocon for the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010 of $-0- and $600,000, respectively.

We have also assessed the revenue guidance of ASC 605-25 to determine whether multiple deliverables in our arrangements with AUO represent separate units of accounting. Under the AUO License Agreements, we received initial license fees of $3 million and could receive up to an additional $7 million in license fees upon completion of certain conditions for the respective technologies. We have determined that the transfer of the licensed patents and technology and the effort involved in completion of the conditions for the respective technologies represent a single unit of accounting. Accordingly, using a proportional performance method, during the third quarter of fiscal year 2011 we began recognizing the $3 million initial license fees over the estimated period that we expect to complete the conditions for the respective technologies and not recognize the $7 million as it is considered contingent revenue. Upon completion of the various conditions for the respective technologies, the additional license fees of $7 million will be recognized over this performance period, limiting the revenue recognized on a cumulative basis to the aggregate license fee payments received from AUO. At each reporting period we assess the progress in completing these efforts and recognize license fee revenue over the remaining estimated period that we expect to complete the conditions for the respective technologies. On this basis, we reassessed the performance period during the fourth quarter of this fiscal year which is reflected in the recognized license fee revenue from AUO for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011 of approximately $873,000. License fee payments received from AUO which are in excess of the amounts recognized as revenue (approximately $2,127,000 as of October 31, 2011) are recorded as non-refundable deferred revenue on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Each of the license agreements with AUO also provide for the basis for royalty payments on future production, if any, by AUO to CopyTele, which we have determined represent separate units of accounting. We have not recognized any royalty income under the AUO License Agreements.

 

Fair Value Measurements

ASC 820 "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" ("ASC 820") defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. In accordance with ASC 820, we have categorized our financial assets, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy as set forth below. We do not have any financial liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. If the inputs used to measure the financial instruments fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.

Financial assets recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:

Level 1 - Financial assets whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market which we have the ability to access at the measurement date (examples include active exchange-traded equity securities).

Level 2 - Financial assets whose values are based on quoted market prices in markets where trading occurs infrequently or whose values are based on quoted prices of instruments with similar attributes in active markets.

Level 3 - Financial assets whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management's own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset. We do not currently have any Level 3 financial assets.

The following table presents the hierarchy for our financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 31, 2011:

 

		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
Money market funds – Cash and cash equivalents		$	5,685			$	—			$	—			$	5,685
U.S. government securities – Cash and cash equivalents							599,994								599,994
U.S. government securities and certificates of deposit – Short-term investments							2,249,159								2,249,159
Videocon Industries Limited global depository receipts			5,382,051												5,382,051
Total financial assets		$	5,387,736			$	2,849,153			$	—			$	8,236,889

 

The following table presents the hierarchy for our financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 31, 2010:

 

		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
Money market funds – Cash and cash equivalents		$	18,015			$	—			$	—			$	18,015
U.S. government securities – Cash and cash equivalents							849,971								849,971
Videocon Industries Limited global depository receipts			8,524,821												8,524,821
Digital Info Security Co. Inc. common stock			143,989												143,989
Total financial assets		$	8,686,825			$	849,971			$	—			$	9,536,796

Our non financial assets and liabilities that are measured on a non-recurring basis include our property and equipment which are measured using fair value techniques whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a condition of impairment exists. These assets were not presented in the preceding table.

It is impractical to determine the fair value of the investment in Volga given that Volga is a Russian company, operates under Russian corporate law, and Volga does not use U.S. GAAP. This investment was not presented in the preceding table.

The estimated fair value of accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates their individual carrying amounts due to the short term nature of these measurements. It is impractical to determine the fair value of the loan receivable and loan payable to the related party given the nature of these loans. These assets and liabilities were not presented in the preceding table.

Short-term Investments

At October 31, 2011 we had marketable securities consisting of U.S. government securities and certificates of deposit of approximately $2,249,000 that were classified as "available-for-sale securities" and reported at fair value.

Statements of Cash Flows

Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid instruments that are readily convertible into cash and have original maturities of less than three months. During the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010, we did not pay any cash for interest expense or U.S. federal or state income tax.

Warranty Policy

We warrant that our products are free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of initial purchase. The warranty does not cover any losses or damage that occur as a result of improper installation, misuse or neglect. Management has recorded a warranty liability of $5,000 as of October 31, 2011 and 2010, based upon historical experience and management's best estimate of future warranty claims.

 

Investment Securities

We classify our investment securities as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until realized. Realized gains and losses from the sale of available-for-sale securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned.

We monitor the value of our investments for indicators of impairment, including changes in market conditions and the operating results of the underlying investment that may result in the inability to recover the carrying value of the investment. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011, we determined that there was an other than temporary impairment in both our Videocon and DISC investments. See Note 4 for further discussion. We will record an additional impairment charge if and when we believe any such investment has experienced an additional decline that is other than temporary.

Operating Leases

The Company recognizes rent expense from operating leases with periods of free and scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the applicable lease term. The Company considers lease renewals in the useful life of its leasehold improvements when such renewals are reasonably assured.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses are expensed in the year incurred.

Income Taxes

We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax effects of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

Stock-Based Compensation

We maintain stock equity incentive plans under which we may grant non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, performance and performance-based awards, or stock units to employees, non-employee directors and consultants.

Stock Option Compensation Expense

We account for stock options granted to employees and directors using the accounting guidance included in ASC 718 "Stock Compensation" ("ASC 718"). In accordance with ASC 718, we estimate the fair value of stock options granted on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model. We recognize compensation expense for stock option awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the grant. We recorded stock-based compensation expense, related to stock options granted to employees and non-employee directors, of approximately $742,000 and $743,000 during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, in accordance with ASC 718. Such compensation expense is included in the accompanying statements of operations in either research and development expenses or selling, general and administrative expenses, as applicable based on the functions performed by such employees and directors. Such stock-based compensation expense increased both basic and diluted net loss per share for the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010 by $0.01 and $0.01, respectively.

Included in the stock-based compensation cost related to stock options granted to employees and directors recorded during the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $8,000 and $24,000, respectively, of expense related to the amortization of compensation cost for stock options granted in prior periods but not yet vested. As of October 31, 2011, there was approximately $7,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements for stock options granted to employees and directors which is expected to be amortized during fiscal year 2012.

We account for stock options granted to consultants using the accounting guidance included in ASC 505-50 "Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees" ("ASC 505-50"). In accordance with ASC 505-50, we estimate the fair value of stock options granted on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model. We recognized consulting expense for options granted to non-employee consultants, during the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010, of approximately $44,000 and $6,000, respectively. Such consulting expense is included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations in either research and development expenses or selling, general and administrative expenses, as applicable based on the functions performed by such consultants. As of October 31, 2011, there was no unrecognized consulting expense related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements for stock options granted to consultants.

Fair Value Determination

We separate the individuals we grant stock options to into three relatively homogenous groups, based on exercise and post-vesting employment termination behaviors. To determine the weighted average fair value of stock options on the date of grant, we take a weighted average of the assumptions used for each of these groups. Stock options we granted during the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010 consisted of awards of stock options with either 5-year terms, which vested over one year, or 10-year terms, which vested immediately.

The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during fiscal years 2011 and 2010 was approximately $49,000 and $40,000, respectively. The following weighted average assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of stock options granted during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010.

 

 

		For the Year Ended October 31,
		2011				2010
Weighted average fair value at grant date		$	0.15			$	0.16
Valuation assumptions:
Expected term (in years)			3.3				2.0
Expected volatility			107	%			101	%
Risk-free interest rate			0.88	%			0.65	%
Expected dividend yield			0				0

The expected term of stock options represents the weighted average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding. Actual historical performance is used for awards exercised or cancelled. For awards that remain unexercised and outstanding, even exercise over the remaining contractual term is assumed. Each category is weighted for its relative size in the population and is then multiplied by the indicated expected term for each category to arrive at the expected term for the population. We estimated the expected volatility of our shares of common stock based upon the historical volatility of our share price over a period of time equal to the expected term of the options. We estimated the risk-free interest rate based on the implied yield available on the applicable grant date of a U.S. Treasury note with a term equal to the expected term of the underlying grants. We made the dividend yield assumption based on our history of not paying dividends and our expectation not to pay dividends in the future. Under ASC 718, the amount of stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Accordingly, if deemed necessary, we reduce the fair value of the stock option awards for expected forfeitures, which are forfeitures of the unvested portion of surrendered options. We estimated expected forfeitures based on our historical experience.

We will reconsider use of the Black-Scholes pricing model if additional information becomes available in the future that indicates another model would be more appropriate, or if grants issued in future periods have characteristics that cannot be reasonably estimated using this model. If factors change and we employ different assumptions in the application of ASC 718 in future periods, the compensation expense that we record under ASC 718 may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the current period.

Net Loss Per Share of Common Stock

In accordance with ASC 260, "Earnings Per Share", basic net loss per common share ("Basic EPS") is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net loss per common share ("Diluted EPS") is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common share equivalents and convertible securities then outstanding. Diluted EPS for all years presented is the same as Basic EPS, as the inclusion of the effect of common share equivalents then outstanding would be anti-dilutive. For this reason, excluded from the calculation of Diluted EPS for the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010, were options to purchase 18,602,045 shares and 20,017,511 shares, respectively, and warrants to purchase 7,500,000 shares and 500,000 shares, respectively.

 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to, determining the allowance for doubtful accounts, depreciation lives, asset impairment evaluations, tax assets and liabilities, license fee revenue, stock-based compensation and other contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Effect of Recently Issued Pronouncements

Effective February 1, 2010, we adopted the new Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2010-06, which requires additional fair value disclosures. This guidance requires reporting entities to disclose transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 and requires gross presentation of purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the Level 3 reconciliation of the three-tier fair value hierarchy. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements related to Level 3 activity. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance on Level 3 activity is effective for our fiscal year beginning November 1, 2011. As this guidance is only disclosure related, it did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Effective November 1, 2010, we adopted the new FASB ASU No. 2009-13. This ASU amends ASC Subtopic 605-25 to eliminate the requirement that all undelivered elements have Vendor Specific Objective Evidence ("VSOE") or Third-Party Evidence ("TPE") before an entity can recognize the portion of an overall arrangement fee that is attributable to items that already have been delivered. In the absence of VSOE or TPE for one or more delivered or undelivered elements in a multiple-element arrangement, we will be required to estimate the selling prices of those elements that meet the remaining separation criteria. The overall arrangement fee will be allocated to each element based on their relative selling prices, regardless of whether those selling prices are evidenced by VSOE or TPE or are based on the entity's estimated selling price. Additionally, the new guidance will require us to disclose more information about multiple-element revenue arrangements. We have applied this guidance prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified after November 1, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Presentation of Comprehensive Income. ASU 2011-05 requires that all non-owner changes in stockholder's equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both cases, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. Since ASU 2011-05 does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income, it will have no impact on our financial position or results of operations. ASU 2011-05 is effective retrospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. We have not elected to early adopt and will adopt ASU 2011-05 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013.