An intangible good is something that provides utility which does not have a physical nature, as opposed to a physical good (an object). [1] Intangible goods do not have a physical presence, but "ownership rights exist for them (established with patents and copyrights), they can be stored, and their ownership transferred." [2]
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Digital goods such as downloadable music, mobile apps or virtual goods used in virtual economies are proposed to be examples of intangible goods. [3] Other examples of intangible goods include "scientific inventions, and "originals" such as the words in a book manuscript or the images stored on a film master." [4] Another example of a category of intangible goods is intellectual property. [5]
In contrast, tangible goods have a physical presence. Examples include "newspapers, music CD's, and movie DVD's." These are the "physical expression of intangible goods that can be copyrighted." [6]
