Immateriel

Immateriel, more correctly immatériel in French, is an adjective used to describe things that are non-physical or not composed of matter. It covers elements that cannot be touched or seen, yet may have measurable economic or legal significance. The term is common in business, law, and economics. In French, immatériel refers to intangible, not to be confused with material or tangible things. The English equivalents are intangible or immaterial, depending on context.

In accounting and finance, actifs immatériels (intangible assets) include goodwill, patents, trademarks, software, databases, licenses, and customer relationships, as well as certain development costs. For recognition, an intangible asset must be identifiable, controlled by the entity, and expected to generate future economic benefits. Measurement often uses the cost model or a revaluation approach. Most finite-life assets are amortised; those with indefinite life are subject to regular impairment testing and provision for any decline in value.

In legal and economic practice, immatériel assets encompass intellectual property rights, contractual rights, and brand value, among others. Valuation is challenging due to lack of physical form and active markets. International accounting standards (notably IFRS, such as IAS 38) and national GAAP schemes govern recognition, measurement, amortisation, impairment, and disclosure, with variations across jurisdictions and standard-setters.

Beyond business, immatériel denotes non-physical aspects such as knowledge, expertise, culture, or social capital. In English, immaterial can mean irrelevant, but in French immatériel does not carry this sense; that nuance is typically expressed with other terms like non pertinent or sans importance. Overall, immatériel highlights assets and concepts that matter economically despite lacking material substance.