12 August 2010
But my question is still to be answered. As per my view, current assets & fixed assets can be tangible or intangible. So i want to know whether investment in shares is a tangible asset ? As per AS 26, it doesn't come in the category of intangible asset. I am confused now.
An asset that is not physical in nature. Corporate intellectual property (items such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, business methodologies), goodwill and brand recognition are all common intangible assets in today's marketplace.
An intangible asset can be classified as either indefinite or definite depending on the specifics of that asset.
A company brand name is considered to be an indefinite asset, as it stays with the company as long as the company continues operations.
However, if a company enters a legal agreement to operate under another company's patent, with no plans of extending the agreement, it would have a limited life and would be classified as a definite asset.
12 August 2010
As per US GAAP intangible assets are required to be writen off in a period of 5-40 years.
The above concept is not likely to be accepted by IFRS which focuses on valuation at the end of each year.
US GAAP are not in line with the increment in brand valuation. As there is no question of depreciation on land becuase it does not depreciate in size and in value also in long run. Brand valuation is made on the assumption : Longer the period, Higher the valuation.
Websites are treated differently in different countries.
Some countries treat these as tangible because it can be seen whereas other include it as intangible asset.
From the above it is clear that -
The basic concept behind the intangible asset is that ultimately it is diminishing in value if not used.
13 August 2010
Thanks for your reply. I am satisfied now. But one more thing, pls tell me that - how would you treat debtors, prepaid expenses as tangible or intanible assets? Give reasns.