Glossary · Reading the business
General intangibles
In short
This is a broad legal term for certain non-physical assets of a business that have value, like customer lists, trademarks, or software. They are often part of collateral for an SBA loan.
What it means in a deal
While not physical, general intangibles like customer relationships or intellectual property are often vital to a business's value and can serve as collateral. The SBA lender will typically take a lien on these, so ensure they are properly identified and transferred in the asset purchase.
Official sources
SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA Standard Operating Procedure
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Related terms
Common questions about General intangibles
- Can an SBA 7(a) loan be used for general business expansion?
- What are the general collateral requirements for an SBA 7(a) loan?
- What is the SBA's general requirement for lien position on business collateral?
- What are the general credit score expectations for an SBA 7(a) loan applicant?
- For general business protection, should the business or individual owners own the life insurance policy?
- Can an SBA 7(a) loan be used for general business expenses like ongoing rent?
Defined by CapBench SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
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