Incorporeal Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Incorporeal, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Incorporeal?

Things which are not felt nor do they have physical presence or form and which does not make sense as it does not have matter but still affects oneself by its existence. It can be refered to rights on the property, actions against a judgement etc.

History and Meaning of Incorporeal

The term "incorporeal" originates from the Latin word "incorporalis," which means without a body. In law, the term is used to describe rights or interests that do not have any physical existence or substance. The idea of incorporeal property can be traced back to Roman law, where it referred to legal rights such as servitudes, usufructs, and personal rights that did not involve the ownership of physical objects.

Examples of Incorporeal

  1. Intellectual property, such as copyrights, patents, and trademarks, are considered incorporeal because they do not have physical substance but are still considered valuable assets.

  2. Goodwill is another example of incorporeal property in the context of business law. It's defined as the value of a business's reputation and customer base, and although it cannot be seen or touched, it can be bought and sold.

  3. Easements, such as the right to use someone else's land to access a public road, are also incorporeal interests in property.

  4. In tort law, the right to privacy is considered an incorporeal interest because it cannot be seen or touched but is an important legal right.

Legal Terms Similar to Incorporeal

  1. Tangible property: This refers to physical property that can be seen or touched, such as land or personal possessions.

  2. Real property: This refers to legal rights associated with land, such as ownership or the right to use and access.

  3. Chattels: This is another word for personal property, such as furniture or vehicles.