What best describes intangible assets?

Intangible assets are items of value that do not have a physical presence. This includes assets such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, brand reputation, and goodwill. Unlike tangible assets, which are physical entities that can be touched or measured, intangible assets derive their value from the rights and privileges they confer to a business. This value often plays a crucial role in a company’s overall worth and can influence revenue generation significantly.

For instance, a well-known brand can command higher prices for its products or services, enhancing profitability and market share. Understanding the nature of intangible assets is essential for evaluating a company’s financial health, as they can represent a substantial portion of a business's total value, especially in industries like technology and pharmaceuticals where intellectual property is critical.

The other options describe either the characteristics of tangible assets, which have physical form, or refer to instruments that are not intangible in nature. Therefore, the identification of intangible assets as items with no physical substance is key to understanding their role in business valuation and accounting.