Legal Definitions - res incorporales

Res incorporales refers to things that exist legally but do not have a physical form. These are intangible assets or rights that cannot be touched, seen, or physically possessed, yet they hold value and are recognized by law. Unlike physical objects (res corporales), res incorporales represent legal concepts, claims, or privileges.

• Example 1: Copyright

  Imagine a musician who composes a unique song. The sheet music or a digital recording of the song are physical manifestations, but the copyright itself is an intangible legal right. This right prevents others from reproducing, performing, or distributing the song without the musician's permission. It's not something you can hold or touch, but it is a valuable asset protected by law.

• Example 2: An Easement

  Consider a situation where a homeowner has the legal right to run a sewer line across their neighbor's property to connect to the main municipal system. The land and the sewer pipes are physical, but the easement is the intangible legal right that allows the homeowner to use a specific part of the neighbor's property for that purpose. It is a recognized legal interest that attaches to the land, not a physical object itself.

• Example 3: Shares in a Corporation

  When an individual owns shares in a company, they possess an intangible ownership interest. While they might receive a physical stock certificate or see their shares listed in a digital brokerage account, the shares themselves represent a bundle of rights—such as the right to vote on company matters or receive a portion of the company's profits (dividends). These rights are not physical objects but are valuable legal claims and interests in the corporation.