Yes, losses can be carried forward in a company, but how long would it take for an IP to become positive (including depreciation, remember)? Also, if you need it to be tax positive, you can't keep refinancing it.
Alex
A shelf company is just a company that's already set up. Accountants usually have a few companies with no activity they've already set up ready to go so they can be transferred to clients who need companies immediately. It's not such a big deal these days since you can get new companies set up...