Identifiable Intangible Assets

Definition

Identifiable intangible assets are non-physical, non-monetary assets that can be separately identified and are expected to provide future economic benefits to the organization. These assets are distinct from goodwill and are recognized and accounted for separately in the financial statements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Identifiable intangible assets must be recognized separately from goodwill in a business combination.
2. The key criteria for recognizing an identifiable intangible asset are that it is separable from the entity and arises from contractual or legal rights.
3. Identifiable intangible assets are initially measured at fair value, which can be determined using various valuation techniques, such as the income approach, market approach, or cost approach.
4. After initial recognition, identifiable intangible assets can be accounted for using the cost model or the revaluation model, depending on the entity's accounting policy.
5. The useful life of an identifiable intangible asset can be finite or indefinite, and the amortization period is determined based on the asset's expected economic benefits.

Review Questions

• Explain the key criteria for recognizing an identifiable intangible asset and how it differs from goodwill.
  • The key criteria for recognizing an identifiable intangible asset are that it is separable from the entity and arises from contractual or legal rights. This means the asset can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged, either individually or as part of a related asset or liability. In contrast, goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination and reflects the value of unidentifiable intangible assets, such as a strong brand reputation or customer relationships. Goodwill is not recognized separately from the business but as part of the overall acquired entity.
• Describe the different methods used to initially measure the fair value of an identifiable intangible asset and explain the factors that may influence the choice of valuation technique.
  • Identifiable intangible assets are initially measured at fair value, which can be determined using various valuation techniques, such as the income approach, market approach, or cost approach. The income approach estimates the present value of the future economic benefits expected to be derived from the asset, the market approach compares the asset to similar assets that have been recently sold, and the cost approach estimates the amount that would be required to replace the asset. The choice of valuation technique will depend on factors such as the nature of the asset, the availability of market data, the reliability of future cash flow projections, and the entity's accounting policies and practices.
• Analyze the accounting treatment for identifiable intangible assets after initial recognition, including the consideration of finite versus indefinite useful lives and the implications for amortization.
  • After initial recognition, identifiable intangible assets can be accounted for using the cost model or the revaluation model, depending on the entity's accounting policy. The useful life of an identifiable intangible asset can be finite or indefinite, and the amortization period is determined based on the asset's expected economic benefits. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their useful life, while those with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are subject to annual impairment testing. The choice between a finite or indefinite useful life depends on factors such as the expected period of cash inflows, the entity's ability to renew or extend legal rights, and the stability of the industry and technology. Proper accounting for identifiable intangible assets is crucial for accurately representing the financial position and performance of the organization.

Related terms

Intangible Assets:

Intangible assets are non-physical assets that have no physical substance but provide future economic benefits to the organization, such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, and computer software.

Goodwill:

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination and reflects the value of unidentifiable intangible assets, such as a strong brand reputation or customer relationships.

Fair Value:

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.