Blue Co. has a patent on a communication process. The company has amortized the patent on a straight-line basis since 2014, when it was acquired at a cost of $44 million at the beginning of that year. Due to rapid technological advances in the industry, management decided that the patent would benefit the company over a total of six years rather than the nine-year life being used to amortize its cost. The decision was made at the end of 2018 (before adjusting and closing entries). What is the appropriate patent amortization expense in 2018? (Do not round your intermediate calculation.)

Amortization Expense in 2018 = $17,111,111.11

Explanation:

In the year 2014 the patent was acquired at a cost of $44 million = $44,000,000

Total expected period at the time of acquisition = 9 years

Per year cost of amortization = $44,000,000/9 = $4,888,888.88

At the end of 2018 revised life = 6 years

Amortization for 4 complete years have been charged = $4,888,888.88 X 4 = $19,555,555.55

Amortization per year in case of life of 6 years = $44,000,000/6 = $7,333,333.33

Amortization in 4 years based on above = $29,333,333.33

Amortization actually done = $19,555,555.55

Amount to be amortized = ($44,000,000 - $29,333,333.33) + ($29,333,333.33 - $19,555,555.55)

= $14,666,666.66 + $9,777,777.77 = $24,444,444.43

Now up till 2018 total value that should have been amortized based on 6 years life = ($44,000,000/6) X 5 = $36,666,666.66

So therefore Amortization in the year 2018 as it is 5th year = $36,666,666.66 - $19,555,555.55

= $17,111,111.11