Legal Definitions - incidental

The term "incidental" refers to something that is secondary, minor, or occurs as a side effect of a more significant or primary event, action, or purpose. It describes something that is not the main focus or intention but happens in connection with it.

• Example 1: Business Acquisition

  A technology company purchases a smaller startup primarily to acquire its innovative software patent and talented engineering team. As part of the deal, the larger company also receives the startup's existing office furniture and a small inventory of older computer equipment.

  Explanation: The office furniture and older computer equipment are considered incidental to the acquisition. The primary purpose of the purchase was the patent and the engineering talent; the physical assets were secondary, minor components that came along with the main transaction.

• Example 2: Travel Plans

  A person books a flight and hotel for a week-long business conference in another state, where they are scheduled to give a presentation. While there, they also spend an afternoon visiting a famous historical landmark and trying a local specialty restaurant.

  Explanation: Visiting the historical landmark and the restaurant are incidental activities. The primary reason for the trip was the business conference and presentation; these other activities were secondary, minor additions to the main purpose of the travel.

• Example 3: Construction Project

  A city begins a large-scale project to build a new public library, which is expected to take two years. During the construction period, there are temporary, minor increases in noise levels for nearby residents and occasional rerouting of pedestrian pathways.

  Explanation: The temporary noise and pedestrian rerouting are incidental to the library construction. The primary goal is to build the new library; these effects are secondary, minor consequences that occur in connection with the main work.