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The Global Insight

How do you measure intangible assets?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on March 17, 2026

Intangible assets are measured initially at cost. After initial recognition, an entity usually measures an intangible asset at cost less accumulated amortisation. It may choose to measure the asset at fair value in rare cases when fair value can be determined by reference to an active market.

What is intangible assist?

An intangible asset is an asset that is not physical in nature. Goodwill, brand recognition and intellectual property, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights, are all intangible assets. Intangible assets exist in opposition to tangible assets, which include land, vehicles, equipment, and inventory.

How do you determine the useful life of an intangible asset?

In determining the useful life of the asset for amortization purposes, an entity shall consider the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the recognized intangible asset, adjusted for the entity-specific factors in paragraph 11 of Statement 142.

What are the recognition criteria for intangible assets?

IAS 38 states that an intangible asset is to be recognised if, and only if, the following criteria are met: it is probable that future economic benefits from the asset will flow to the entity. the cost of the asset can be reliably measured.

What is an example of an intangible?

An intangible object is something that cannot be touched, is hard to describe, or assign an exact value to. Goodwill, brand recognition and intellectual property, such as patents, trademarks and copyrights, are all intangible assets.

What are examples of intangible?

Examples of intangible assets include goodwill, brand recognition, copyrights, patents, trademarks, trade names, and customer lists. You can divide intangible assets into two categories: intellectual property and goodwill. Intellectual property is something that you create with your mind, such as a design.

When do you need to recognise an intangible asset?

This Standard requires an entity to recognise an intangible asset if, and only if, specified criteria are met. The Standard also specifies how to measure the carrying amountof intangible assets and requires specified disclosures about intangible assets. Application

How are intangible assets treated under AASB 116?

In determining whether an asset that incorporates both intangible and tangible elements should be treated under AASB 116 Property, Plant and Equipmentor as an intangible asset under this Standard, an entity uses judgement to assess which element is more significant.

When to use income based valuation for intangible assets?

Income based models are best used when the intangible asset is income producing or when it allows an asset to generate cash flow. Just as in other valuation assignments, an income approach technique converts future benefits (such as cash flows or earnings) to a single, discounted amount, usually as a result of increased turnover or cost savings.

When is software treated as an intangible asset?

When the software is not an integral part of the related hardware, computer software is treated as an intangible asset. 5 This Standard applies to, among other things, expenditure on advertising, training, start-up, research and development activities.