Intangible assets or intellectual property (IP) are distinguished from general intangibles, such as goodwill, which have no definable useful life. The valuation of an IP is usually the most tenuous, complex, and creative exercise of any valuation or appraisal. The Mentor Group has unique expertise and has valued each of the IP below.
Without some historical data on use of the IP to generate income/profits or save costs, estimating IP valuation is much more subjective. The key is to develop some reasonable data points about future expected cash flows. These data points become the lynch pin around which a discounted cash flow case can be constructed. Our senior professionals ensure that a reasonable, well-documented, and credible analysis is delivered.
The intangible asset (IA) / IP value is inextricably linked to the remaining useful life. The cash flow projection period is premised on the estimated useful life. The value of an IA is the present value of the after-tax income plus the present value of the tax benefits of amortization.
Marketing-Related
- Internet domain names
- Non-compete agreements
- Service marks, collective marks, certification marks
- Trade dress (unique color, shape, or package design)
- Trademarks, trade names
Customer-Related
- Customer contracts and related customer relationships
- Customer lists
- Non-contractual customer relationships
- Order or production backlog
Artistic-Related
- Books, magazines, newspapers, other literary works
- Musical works such as compositions, song lyrics, advertising jingles
- Plays, operas, ballets
- Publicity rights (persona or NIL)
- Motion pictures, music videos, and TV programs
Contract-Based
- Advertising, construction, management, service or supply contracts
- Employment contracts
- Franchise agreements
- Lease agreements
- Licensing, royalty, standstill agreements
- Operating and broadcast rights
- Servicing contracts such as mortgage servicing
- Use rights such as drilling, water, air, mineral, timber cutting, and route authorities
Technology-Based
- Computer software
- Databases
- Patented technology
- Trade secrets, such as secret formulas, processes, recipes
- Unpatented technology
Client Example
| Client: | Technology holding company. |
| Issues: | Purchase price for concept of encryption security software. Inventor and investor were initially far apart on value of Intangible Asset. |
| Result: | Significant collaboration with each party to analyze how concept would be created as software and the various market applications. Engagement resulted in agreement on price and extensive business plan to raise equity. |