Define: Intangible Asset

Intangible Asset
Intangible Asset
Quick Summary of Intangible Asset

An intangible asset refers to a valuable possession of a company that cannot be physically perceived or touched. Unlike tangible assets such as buildings or cars, intangible assets include items like brand names, patents, or copyrights. These assets hold significant importance for a company as they can contribute to its profitability and safeguard its intellectual property from unauthorized duplication.

Full Definition Of Intangible Asset

Intangible assets are assets that lack physical form but hold value for companies or individuals. They encompass intellectual property, brand recognition, and goodwill. Examples include patents, trademarks, copyrights, goodwill, and brand recognition. These examples exemplify the concept of intangible assets as they possess value despite their lack of physical presence. For instance, a patent grants exclusive rights to an inventor for a specific duration, providing a competitive edge in the market. Likewise, brand recognition and goodwill are intangible assets that contribute to customer loyalty and trust, making them valuable for companies.

Intangible Asset FAQ'S

An intangible asset is a non-physical asset that has value but lacks physical substance. Examples include patents, copyrights, trademarks, and goodwill.

Intangible assets can be protected through various legal mechanisms such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights. These mechanisms provide exclusive rights to the owner and prevent others from using or exploiting the asset without permission.

The duration of protection for intangible assets varies depending on the type of asset. For example, patents typically last for 20 years from the date of filing, while copyrights generally last for the life of the author plus 70 years.

Yes, intangible assets can be sold or transferred through various means such as licensing agreements, assignment agreements, or outright sales. However, it is important to ensure that all necessary legal requirements are met to ensure a valid transfer.

Valuing intangible assets can be complex and may involve various methods such as cost approach, market approach, or income approach. Professional appraisers or valuation experts are often consulted to determine the fair value of intangible assets.

In some cases, intangible assets can be depreciated for tax purposes. However, the specific rules and regulations regarding depreciation of intangible assets vary by jurisdiction. It is advisable to consult with a tax professional to understand the applicable rules in your jurisdiction.

Yes, intangible assets can be infringed upon if someone uses, copies, or exploits the asset without permission from the owner. In such cases, the owner may take legal action to protect their rights and seek remedies such as damages or injunctions.

A patent protects inventions or new technologies, granting the owner exclusive rights to make, use, and sell the invention. On the other hand, a trademark protects brands, logos, or symbols that distinguish goods or services from others in the marketplace.

Yes, intangible assets can be inherited just like any other property. The transfer of intangible assets through inheritance is typically governed by the laws of succession or wills and trusts.

If someone infringes upon your intangible asset rights, you may take legal action to enforce your rights. This may involve filing a lawsuit, seeking damages, or obtaining an injunction to stop the infringing activities. It is advisable to consult with an intellectual property attorney to understand the best course of action in your specific situation.

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Disclaimer

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.

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