Intellectual property
The body of exclusive rights granted over creations of the mind: copyright (software, works), invention patents, trademarks, designs and databases. In France, some rights arise automatically (copyright); others require formal registration (trademark, patent).
In practice
For a software publisher or a franchise network, intellectual property is often the most valuable balance sheet asset — and the most poorly protected. Source code is covered by copyright from creation, but without assignment clauses in employment contracts, rights remain with the developers. An unregistered trademark can legally be used by a third party. An annual IP audit — inventory, registration status, verified assignments — is a minimum governance practice.