One of the most succinct definition of intellectual capital is provided by Sveiby (1997): "useful
package of knowledge." It exists and also includes: organizational processes, patents, employee skills,
information about customers, suppliers and business partners. Through this components elements,
Brookings (1997) establishes that intellectual capital includes assets based on market knowledge,
knowledge of human capital, intellectual property and technology enterprise. In terms of their object,
intellectual capital is defined by Nahapiet and Ghospal (1998) as “knowledge and social skills
knowledge of the community”, while Harrison and Sullivan (2000) talk about a “knowledge-based
capital companies”
Another concept used in defining intangible knowledge is intangible intellectual property.
Intellectual property consists of patents, copyrights, trademarks which are easier to value than other
tangible assets and they are also implies a legal right to use for the property or owner.
Smith (1994) defines intellectual property as “intangible assets are all items of business,
additional working capital and tangible assets. They are elements, which after working capital and
tangible assets, allowing an organization to function and contribute to an enterprise value", while
Grandstrand (1999) defines as "quality directly related to creativity and knowledge". Compared with
intellectual capital, defined as knowledge determined of enterprise value, intellectual property is a
well-defined concept, providing a clear vision on components elements and it is a legal right of the
entity that allows its identification in the book value.
Intangible asset concept was introduced in strategic management by Rich Hall (1989, 1992).
Intangible assets are the result of past events and have three main characteristics: they have no
physical form, are capable of generating future economic benefits and are legally protected by a right
of use. Accounting standard IAS 38 establishes conditions in which intangible assets can be
recognized in financial statements. An asset must be identifiable, controlled by the entity and
differentiated from enterprise goodwill. Intangible asset is an asset interpreted as an asset without
material substance.
Itami (1991) defines intangible assets from an accounting perspective, as follows “invisible
assets that include a myriad of activities such as technology, customer confidence, brand, corporate
culture and management ability” and Bouteiller (2000) defines them as follows “assets are the result
past events with three characteristics: they have no physical form, are capable of generating future
economic benefits and are legally protected”. On the other hand, Hall (1992) defines intangible assets
in terms of impact on enterprise performance, calling it «crucial values that transform productive
resources into value added activities”.