NAICS 5331

Lessors of Nonfinancial Intangible Assets (Except Copyrighted Works)

NAICS 5331: Lessors of nonfinancial intangible assets including patents, trademarks, and technology licenses. Industry analysis and overview.

Industry at a Glance

Sector-wide aggregates across all businesses classified under NAICS 5331 (2017 classification frame). For specific sub-industries within this sector, see the individual reports below.

Employment
44K
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Establishments
2,701
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Annual Payroll
$6.0B
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Avg Annual Wage
$136,596
Derived from US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Market Size
$62.1B
US Census Economic Census · 2022 · NAICS 2017

Industry Overview

The lessors of nonfinancial intangible assets (except copyrighted works) industry encompasses establishments primarily engaged in leasing intangible assets such as patents, trademarks, brand names, and licensing agreements. These businesses generate revenue by granting temporary rights to use intellectual property they own or control, rather than by selling the assets outright. This industry plays a critical role in enabling new product development and brand development across sectors, allowing companies to access valuable intellectual property without significant capital expenditure while providing asset owners with ongoing revenue streams from their intellectual property and brand investments.

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Market sizing, workforce analysis, competitive landscape, regulatory environment — all sourced from Census, BLS, FRED, and SEC EDGAR.

Industry Trends

01

Digital transformation and software licensing have dramatically expanded the scope of nonfinancial intangible asset leasing, with cloud-based software subscriptions and technology platforms becoming primary revenue drivers for many lessors.

02

Patent pooling and cross-licensing arrangements are increasing as companies seek to manage complex intellectual property landscapes and reduce litigation risks in highly competitive technology sectors.

03

Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies are increasingly monetizing their research through licensing agreements, creating substantial intangible asset leasing opportunities in life sciences.

04

Rise of specialized licensing platforms and marketplaces has democratized access to intellectual property, enabling smaller firms to participate in the intangible asset leasing economy.

05

Growing emphasis on data monetization and algorithm licensing reflects the shift toward valuing computational and analytical intellectual property as distinct leasing assets.

Specialty Reports Available on Request

1 specialty industriesavailable on request
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAICS 5331? ▾
NAICS 5331 classifies establishments whose primary business activity is leasing nonfinancial intangible assets excluding copyrighted works, such as patents, trademarks, brand names, franchises, and licensing agreements. These lessors generate income by granting temporary rights to use intellectual property they own or control, rather than transferring ownership permanently.
How do lessors of intangible assets differ from copyright holders? ▾
This industry specifically excludes copyrighted works, which are classified separately under NAICS 5332. While both deal with intellectual property, NAICS 5331 focuses on patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and brand licensing, whereas the copyright industry handles literary, musical, artistic, and entertainment intellectual property rights.
What types of businesses operate in this industry? ▾
Operators range from large multinational corporations managing extensive patent portfolios (such as technology and pharmaceutical firms) to specialized independent licensing companies, patent holding firms, trademark management agencies, and franchise licensors. Many firms operate as subsidiary divisions within larger parent companies focused on intellectual property monetization.
How do companies generate revenue through intangible asset leasing? ▾
Revenue is generated through licensing fees, royalties, upfront licensing payments, and ongoing usage-based fees paid by companies seeking to use patented technologies, trademarks, brand names, or proprietary processes without purchasing them outright. Terms vary from short-term technology licenses to long-term brand franchise agreements.
What industries are major consumers of nonfinancial intangible asset leasing? ▾
Primary consumers include technology and software development, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, manufacturing, telecommunications, consumer goods and retail (for brand licensing), and industrial sectors requiring patented processes. These industries depend on access to proprietary technologies and recognized brands to remain competitive.

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