What does 'property' encompass in legal terms?

In legal terms, 'property' encompasses all items that can be owned, which includes both tangible and intangible assets as well as the rights associated with those assets. This broad definition means that property is not limited to physical objects like land and buildings; it also includes personal property, intellectual property, shares in a corporation, and various forms of real estate interests. The inclusion of associated rights is crucial because owning property often grants the owner certain privileges, such as the right to use, sell, lease, or otherwise benefit from the property. This comprehensive understanding is essential in legal contexts, where various ownership rights and responsibilities are attributed to different types of property.