(sÄt) v. set, setÂ·ting, sets. v.tr. 1. To put in a specified position or arrangement; place: set a book on a table; set the photo next to the flowers. 2. a. To put into a specified state: set the prisoner at liberty; set the house ablaze; set the machine in motion.
Intangible asset. An intangible asset is an asset that lacks physical substance (unlike physical assets such as machinery and buildings) and usually is very hard to evaluate. It includes patents, copyrights, franchises, goodwill, trademarks, trade names, the general interpretation also includes software and other intangible computer based assets.
Definition. Intangible assets have been argued to be one possible contributor to the disparity between company value as per their accounting records, and company value as per their market capitalization. Considering this argument, it is important to understand what an intangible asset truly is in the eyes of an accountant.