Intangible assets (IA) are assets that are non-physical in nature, owned by you or your business. These include both intellectual property (IP), such as patents, trademarks, and registered designs, as well as other non-registrable assets, like know-how, data and key relationships. Each company will have its own unique mix of IA and IP types, which make up the ingredients to its ‘secret sauce.

For a textbook definition, International Accounting Standard (IAS) 38 defines IA as identifiable (either being separable or arising from contractual or other legal rights), non-monetary assets without physical substance. IA largely comprise IP and other assets that grant potential economic benefits to the owner.

Intangible assets (IA) comprise both intellectual property (IP) and other non-registrable assets, such as know-how, data, and key relationships. Simply put, IP may be considered a subset of IA.

For more information on IP, IPOS has a wealth of resources on patents, trade marks, registered designs, copyright, geographical indications, plant varieties protection, and confidential information.

Copyright

Copyright protects the expression of ideas in the form of literary or artistic works, such as novels, videos, music, photographs, and other media works. It also applies to computer software. While copyright covers all content produced by a company, only certain assets may be of significant value on their own.

Registered Design

Registered designs protect the aesthetic look of an article or non-physical product, like its shape, pattern, or configuration.

Patent

Patents protect the functional elements of a technology or “how it works”. A patent should provide a technical solution, and an aspect of the solution must be novel, inventive and non-obvious.

Brand

Brand refers to the way businesses’ products and services are experienced by consumers, along with market and customer opinions of the company. Having a brand helps to maintain a company’s distinction in the marketplace even if a competitor is offering a similar product. Additionally, different forms of protection over a brand are by themselves also IA, which include registered and unregistered trade marks, and domain names.

Registered Trade Mark

Registered trade marks provide a formal registration to protect the brand from confusingly similar brands in the marketplace.

Unregistered Trade Mark

Unregistered trade marks refer to a brand’s reputation, awareness among consumers, and offerings. Unlike registered trade marks, these rights arise from “use”, and is not registered.

Domain Name

Internet addresses which contribute to online branding may be protected. Domain names provide another consumer touchpoint, which enhances overall brand presence.

Data

Valuable data is either unique in origin or history, provides important insight, or has an associated value proposition. Read also: Safeguarding Your Competitive Edge

This can range from client databases, estimated market size, actual number of products or services purchased, to milestone numbers that can predict trends. Read also: From Pulling Data to Pushing Borders

Trade Secrets / Know-how

Registered trade marks provide a formal registration to protect the brand from confusingly similar brands in the marketplace.

Intellectual property (IP) and intangible assets (IA) can be key drivers for business success. Understanding IA and how to manage them well can build strong foundations for growth and expansion, as well as create new revenue streams.

Good IP management involves effectively identifying, prioritising and securing IP rights essential to your business. It also extends beyond protection to monetisation, by leveraging your IA to seize business opportunities, tide over and thrive in challenging times, and even secure investor funding for growth.

Book a complimentary 45-minute chat with us on your intangible assets (IA) today! Following a deeper understanding of your business, our IP Strategists will be able to advise on questions such as:

• How do I know if my company has any valuable IA?
• What are the possible risks if my company does not take care of its IA?
• What is the most effective way to protect my innovations?
• What should I look out for when my company is planning to expand overseas?
• What are the key things to take note of in a joint-venture agreement?
• How can better IA management help to increase the value of my company?
• I am keen to develop an IA strategy but how should I start?

Yes, IPOS International is operational, though we have enacted our Business Continuity Plan. Our office is currently closed.

In view of the current COVID-19 situation, our office is currently closed.

Instead, you may contact us at [email protected]. We seek your understanding that there might be a delay in our response to your request/query at this time.

Yes, however due to the evolving COVID-19 situation, we will endeavour to have IP Academy’s courses conducted online. Please check here or email us at [email protected] for more information.

Yes, you can still consult an IP Strategist virtually. IPOS International supports meeting online via audio or video conference calls. You can also reach us at [email protected].

You may contact us at [email protected]. We seek your understanding that there might be a delay in our response to your request/query at this time.