Income Taxes | Note 8—Income Taxes Income taxes for quarterly periods are computed using the estimated annual effective tax rate for the year along with discrete items identified in the quarter. For the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company's effective tax rate was approximately 33% and (141)%, respectively. The effective tax rate for 2015 differed from the US statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of foreign operations, as the Company's tax rates in foreign countries are generally lower than the US statutory rate, which was partially offset by non-creditable foreign withholding taxes and non-deductible stock-based compensation. The effective tax rate for 2014 differed from the US statutory rate primarily due to a net tax benefit associated with a special one-time transfer of certain Japan and Taiwan intellectual property licensing rights to the US on January 1, 2014 and the tax benefit associated with the effective settlement of a US federal tax audit for the years 2009 to 2011. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company's uncertain tax positions were $11,475 and $11,246, respectively, of which $9,253 and $9,194, respectively, were recorded in other long-term liabilities. The remaining amounts were recorded as a reduction to non-current deferred tax assets. The increase was primarily due to uncertain tax positions relating to transfer pricing positions taken with respect to the Company's foreign subsidiaries and state research and development tax credits. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that a decrease of approximately $600 in unrecognized tax benefits related to certain income apportionment adjustments may be necessary within the next twelve months due to a proposed settlement of a state tax audit. Additionally, any resolution of the Company's uncertain tax positions may impact the Company's effective tax rate. The Company believes its accruals for uncertain tax positions are adequate for all open years, based on the assessment of many factors including past experience and interpretations of tax law applied to the facts of each matter. Inherent uncertainties exist in estimating accruals for uncertain tax positions due to the progress of income tax audits and changes in tax law, both legislated and concluded through the various jurisdictions' tax court systems. The Company may, from time to time, be assessed interest or penalties by major tax jurisdictions, although any such assessments historically have been minimal and immaterial to the Company's financial statements. Interest expense and penalties related to income taxes are included in income tax expense. The Company, or one of its subsidiaries, files income tax returns in the US and other foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to US federal income tax examinations by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for years prior to 2012. The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is conducting a state tax examination for the years 2009 and 2010, including certain prior period carryforwards from 2006 to 2008. Significant judgment is required in determining the consolidated provision for income taxes as the Company considers each tax jurisdiction's taxable earnings and the impact of the tax audit process. The final outcome of tax audits by the IRS, the FTB or other state tax authorities, and various foreign tax authorities could differ materially from amounts reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Licensing revenue is recognized gross of withholding taxes that are remitted by the Company's licensees directly to the local tax authorities. For the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, withholding taxes were $576 and $562, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, withholding taxes were $982 and $2,095, respectively. Withholding taxes were lower in 2015 year-to-date compared to 2014 due to the elimination of withholding on licensing revenue from Japan as a result of the one-time transfer of those intellectual property licensing rights from Ireland to the US. |