(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.
Related Terms. Reputation, name recognition, and intellectual property such as knowledge and know how. Intangible assets are the long-term resources of an entity, but have no physical existence. They derive their value from intellectual or legal rights, and from the value they add to the other assets.