Legal Definitions - adjunctum accessorium

Adjunctum accessorium refers to something that is secondary or subordinate but legally connected to a principal item or property. It is an accessory or appurtenance that, while not the main object itself, is considered part of it and often transfers with it.

• Example 1: Real Estate

  Imagine a large, custom-built wooden deck permanently attached to the back of a house. The house itself is the primary property.

  The deck, in this context, would be considered an adjunctum accessorium. While it's not the house, it's permanently affixed, enhances the property's value and utility, and would typically be included in the sale of the house without needing separate mention in the contract.

• Example 2: Commercial Equipment

  Consider a specialized industrial oven used in a bakery. This oven requires a unique, custom-fabricated ventilation system to operate safely and efficiently, which is permanently installed with it.

  The industrial oven is the principal item. The custom ventilation system, being essential for the oven's function and permanently attached, serves as an adjunctum accessorium. If the bakery were sold, or the oven transferred, the ventilation system would generally be understood to go with it as an integral part of the oven's operational setup.

• Example 3: Intellectual Property (Software)

  A company purchases a license for a complex enterprise resource planning (ERP) software system. Along with the core software, they receive a specific, non-transferable module that integrates the ERP with their existing legacy accounting system, which was custom-developed for their business.

  The core ERP software license is the principal item. The custom integration module, which is specifically designed to work with and enhance the functionality of the ERP for that particular company, acts as an adjunctum accessorium. It's secondary to the main software but is an integral part of its operational value for the company and would typically be considered part of the overall software asset.