In Brief: Investigative journalists in Sweden found that Ikea pays 3% of its earnings as royalty fees to Interogo, an allegedly “secret” foundation in Lichtenstein, controlled by Ikea’s founder, Ivar Kamprad. Kamprad acknowledged the arrangement and said the money is for expansion and business deals. The journalists’ documentary charges that the royalties are designed to avoid steep Swedish taxes.
Our View: While this news is causing outrage, Ikea’s actions are not uncommon. Inka Holdings, Ikea’s parent company, has used advice from Interogo and its subsidiary, Inter Ikea Systems B.V., around business operations. Use our Royalty and Licensing Database to benchmark rates for licensing intellectual property and trademarks.
Our View: While this news is causing outrage, Ikea’s actions are not uncommon. Inka Holdings, Ikea’s parent company, has used advice from Interogo and its subsidiary, Inter Ikea Systems B.V., around business operations. Use our Royalty and Licensing Database to benchmark rates for licensing intellectual property and trademarks.
