Accounting Issues: An Essay Series Part V-Intangible Assets

Abstract

This article represents the fifth in a series of theoretical essays intended to supplement the introductory financial accounting course and investigates the accounting treatment and related conceptual connections for intangibles. In addition, intangibles present unique accounting issues, conceptual challenges, and measurement dilemmas not found with most other assets, warranting special coverage. The paper also presents scandalous accounting episodes that have made the headlines as well as both theoretical and empirical studies that might be of interest to both students and professors.