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  2. Refining MacIntyre’s approach to Patent Box relief

Refining MacIntyre’s approach to Patent Box relief

Claiming Patent Box relief was hassle-free with ForrestBrown. The team know their stuff and are easy to work with, giving us confidence that our calculations meet HMRC’s requirements.

Having previously been unaware of what is an under-utilised relief, we’re now exploring the potential to apply for further patents having seen first-hand how these can generate significant savings for the business.

Marc Couttie, Finance Manager, MacIntyre Chocolate Systems Ltd

Challenge

MacIntyre held valuable patents but wasn’t leveraging them to reduce its tax bill—missing out on a powerful incentive designed to reward UK-based innovation.

Impact

With expert guidance from ForrestBrown, MacIntyre unlocked substantial tax savings through the Patent Box regime

Value

A six-figure tax saving and a strategic shift toward further patenting for long-term financial benefit.

Untapped potential in protected IP

MacIntyre Chocolate Systems is a worldwide supplier of chocolate manufacturing equipment, providing solutions for small, medium and large-scale processing of pure chocolates, compounds, truffles, and creme fillings. MacIntyre holds several patents relating to its unique method for refining chocolate. While these patents protect the company’s intellectual property (IP) from being copied by competitors, they were not being used to reduce tax payable on related profits.

A strategic shift toward Patent Box ROI

Having initially been engaged by MacIntyre to advise on R&D tax relief, ForrestBrown identified the opportunity for the company to elect into the Patent Box regime. Patent Box is designed to encourage companies to keep and commercialise their IP in the UK by reducing the Corporation Tax on profits generated through patents to an effective rate of 10%. By claiming Patent Box relief, MacIntyre was able to make a six-figure saving on its tax bill.

Fuel for future innovation

By reducing the amount paid in Corporation Tax, MacIntyre freed up funds to invest back into R&D projects and capital equipment. Having experienced the positive impact of Patent Box relief first-hand, the company is now exploring the potential to patent further IP to generate future savings.

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