Software giant Microsoft may have the most valuable portfolio of intellectual property in the world, according to a recent Intellectual Asset Management report.

While the absolute value of intellectual assets can be difficult to quantify, Microsoft has a well-rounded set of intellectual assets, which, together, constitute a more-than-formidable force, the report said.

According to the report, intellectual property value is, to an extent, "in the eyes of the beholder." Because companies and inventors utilize intellectual assets in different ways over the long-term, value can be assessed in a number of ways.

It can be argued, however, that intellectual property value is "all about the opportunities a rights-holder's portfolio gives them," according to the report. This can include factors such as monetization, empowerment of joint ventures, exclusion of competitors and fostering company reputation.

Microsoft, according to the report, covers many intellectual property bases with its portfolio. The company's "top two brand" is protected by a range of IP rights, it holds copyrights to a range of products that generate billions of dollars and it has a "world class" patent portfolio.

These factors together, the report said, may make Microsoft's intellectual asset portfolio the most valuable in the world. At the very least, it highlights the central role a well-managed set of IP assets can play in making a business profitable.