UPSC Prelims 2023 · Question 48 of 97

UPSC Prelims 2023 question on Intangible Assets

Consider the investments in the following assets:

1. Brand recognition
2. Inventory
3. Intellectual property
4. Mailing list of clients

How many of the above are considered intangible investments?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. Only three
  4. All four
Show answer

Answer: C. Only three

Analysis

An intangible asset is an identifiable non-monetary asset, without physical substance, held for use in the production or supply of goods or services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes.

Items 1, 3, and 4 are intangible investments → Option (c) Only three.

Statement by statement

Statement 1 – CORRECT: Brand recognition is an intangible asset. Market knowledge and trademarks (including brand names and publishing titles) are common examples of intangible investments.

Statement 2 – INCORRECT: Inventory is a tangible asset. Tangible assets are typically physical assets or property owned by a company, such as equipment, buildings, and inventory.

Statement 3 – CORRECT: Intellectual property is an intangible asset. Common examples include computer software, patents, copyrights, motion picture films, etc.

Statement 4 – CORRECT: Mailing list of clients (customer lists) is an intangible asset — a common example of items encompassed by intangible investments.

More questions on Important Economic Concepts

All 18 questions on Important Economic Concepts →

← Full 2023 question paper · All Indian Economy questions