Accounting for Identifiable Intangible Assets: No One Right Way

This paper considers the conceptual basis for various arguments as to the most appropriate method of accounting for identifiable intangible assets. The conceptual framework propounds the view that information needs of users have primacy. One consequence of this is that shareholders' views should be considered. Partial results of a major survey of the shareholders of Pacific-Dunlop Ltd, undertaken by the authors, are drawn on. These results indicate that shareholders have a variety of views regarding the accounting for identifiable intangible assets. A conclusion is drawn that in order to meet the information needs of the users, no single method should be prescribed.