Goodwill Is an Unusual Asset in That It Cannot Be

question 127

Essay

Goodwill is an unusual asset in that it cannot be sold individually apart from a business as a whole. If goodwill is an intangible asset, why can't it be sold like other intangible assets such as copyrights and patents? Briefly explain what makes goodwill different.

---

Definitions:

Market Price

The current value or cost of a good or service as determined by supply and demand in the open market.

Bilateral Mistake

In contract law, a mistake made by both parties to a contract. Bilateral mistake allows rescission by either party. Also called mutual mistake.

Appraised Value

The estimated monetary value of a property or asset, determined by a professional appraiser based on its characteristics and market conditions.

Rescission

A remedy in contract law that returns both parties to a contract back to their original positions before the contract was entered into.