"General intangibles" means "general intangibles," as defined in paragraph (42) of subdivision (a) of Section 9102 of the Commercial Code, consisting of rights to payment.
§ 481.115.General Intangibles
Title 6.5. Attachment · Chapter 1. Words and Phrases Defined · Last amended 2001 · Last verified July 28, 2026
In one sentenceSection 481.115 defines "general intangibles" using the Commercial Code’s definition, limited here to those general intangibles that consist of rights to payment.
Full Text of § 481.115
Plain-English Summary
General intangibles is a catch-all category in secured-transactions law for personal property that is not covered by more specific categories — things like payment rights under a license, royalty rights, or certain tax refunds. Section 481.115 narrows the Commercial Code’s broader definition to the subset consisting of rights to payment, which is the piece relevant to attaching a defendant’s intangible assets. Section 488.470 covers the levy procedure for attaching an account receivable or general intangible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this title use the full Commercial Code definition of general intangibles?
No. Section 481.115 limits the term to those general intangibles consisting of rights to payment, narrower than the Commercial Code’s own broader catch-all definition.
How does a plaintiff attach a defendant’s general intangibles?
Section 488.470 sets out the levy procedure for attaching an account receivable or general intangible once a writ of attachment authorizes it.
Amendment History
EFFECTIVE 7/1/2001. Amended October 10, 1999 (Bill Number: SB 45) (Chapter 991).
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature.
Last verified July 28, 2026.
· Official source
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