The objectives of the Intangible Asset Finance Society are to increase the visibility, transparency, and value of intangible assets through education, advocacy, and the promulgation of standards. Leverage is a common instrument of value deployment, and IP as collateral is one of several favorite topics among Society members. Which is why we couldn't pass the opportunity to share this note on an IP secured loan-gone-bad.

Celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz, who has photographed everyone from the Rolling Stones to Queen Elizabeth II, put her art, intellectual property and even real estate assets up for collateral last year when she consolidated her massive debts into one $24 million loan.  Leibovitz made her creditor an “irrevocable, exclusive agent” in December 2008 in exchange for the loan at a 12 percent interest rate. The collateral specifically included all photographs she has taken or will take.  Last Tuesday was the deadline for repaying the loan or surrendering the collateral - a deadline not met.

Friday, Bloomberg reported that Liebowitz bought back control to her photographs and real estate by renegotiating the terms of a $24 million loan from Art Capital Group. In return, the lender dropped its lawsuit against her.