What are examples of intangible assets?

An intangible asset is a non-physical asset having a useful life greater than one year.

Examples of intangible assets are:

• Marketing-related intangible assets
  • Trademarks
  • Newspaper mastheads
  • Internet domain names
  • Noncompetition agreements
• Customer-related intangible assets
  • Customer lists
  • Order backlog
  • Customer relationships
• Artistic-related intangible assets
  • Performance events
  • Literary works
  • Musical works
  • Pictures
  • Motion pictures and television programs
• Contract-based intangible assets
  • Licensing agreements
  • Service contracts
  • Lease agreements
  • Franchise agreements
  • Broadcast rights
  • Employment contracts
  • Use rights (such as drilling rights or water rights)
• Technology-based intangible assets
  • Patented technology
  • Computer software
  • Trade secrets (such as secret formulas and recipes)

Related Topics

Fixed asset impairment
Intangible asset accounting
What is amortization?
What is the accounting entry for depreciation?
What is the correct capitalization limit?