intangible asset
Trademark or copyright
An intangible asset is something of value that has no physical form—patents, trademarks, copyrights, brand recognition, customer relationships.
Unlike tangible assets such as equipment or real estate, intangible assets exist as legal rights or competitive advantages: The company's intangible assets include its proprietary software and trade secrets.
In accounting, intangible assets appear on balance sheets and may be amortized over time.
Worth of name recognition
- brand valueWorth of company name
- brand recognitionConsumer familiarity with products
- brand loyaltyHabitual preference for one company
- brand identityCompany's distinctive public face
logo · trademark · goodwill · reputation · slogan · trade name · service mark · brand awareness
Firm's standing with stakeholders
- market positionStanding among competitors
- synergyCombined effect exceeding components
- customer baseCompany's regular buyers
- client relationshipsConnections with those served
consumer trust · corporate identity · network effects · competitive advantage
Licensed business operations
- licensing agreementsContracts granting usage rights
- lease agreementsContracts governing property rental
- broadcasting rightsPermission to air media
- publishing rightsPermission to reproduce content
distribution rights · supply contracts · employment contracts · non-compete agreements · service contracts · permits · domain names
Collective employee abilities
- trainingDeveloping abilities through practice
- talentInborn aptitude
- know-howPractical ability to accomplish
- experiencePractical knowledge from life
competencies · leadership · employee retention · tacit knowledge
Exclusive rights to inventions
- copyrightsLegal ownership of creations
- trademarksProtected commercial identifiers
- trade secretsProtected commercial knowledge
- licensingGranting official permission
royalties · infringement · fair use · public domain · derivative works · licensing agreements · proprietary technology · registration
brand equity
Worth of name recognition
- brand valueWorth of company name
- brand recognitionConsumer familiarity with products
- brand loyaltyHabitual preference for one company
brand identity · logo · trademark · goodwill · reputation · slogan · trade name · service mark · brand awareness · brand image
business reputation
Firm's standing with stakeholders
- market positionStanding among competitors
- synergyCombined effect exceeding components
- customer baseCompany's regular buyers
client relationships · consumer trust · corporate identity · network effects · competitive advantage
franchises
Licensed business operations
- licensing agreementsContracts granting usage rights
- lease agreementsContracts governing property rental
- broadcasting rightsPermission to air media
publishing rights · distribution rights · supply contracts · employment contracts · non-compete agreements · service contracts · permits · domain names
workforce skills
Collective employee abilities
- trainingDeveloping abilities through practice
- talentInborn aptitude
- know-howPractical ability to accomplish
experience · competencies · leadership · employee retention · tacit knowledge
patents
Exclusive rights to inventions
- copyrightsLegal ownership of creations
- trademarksProtected commercial identifiers
- trade secretsProtected commercial knowledge
licensing · royalties · infringement · fair use · public domain · derivative works · licensing agreements · proprietary technology · registration · exclusivity
intangible assetfixed asset
Long-term business property
equipment · machinery · inventory · real estate · buildings
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