Determining the worth of intangible assets arising from creative and inventive efforts is a complex, yet critical, process. This process involves assessing the potential financial return that a patent, trademark, copyright, or trade secret can generate for its owner. For example, a pharmaceutical company would undertake a valuation to understand the income-generating potential of a newly patented drug formula.
Accurately establishing the monetary value of these assets is essential for strategic decision-making, including licensing negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, investment opportunities, and litigation support. Historically, assigning value to such non-physical property was often subjective; however, increasingly sophisticated methodologies provide more reliable and objective measurements, aiding in secure investment and legal protection.