Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and intangible assets are recorded at cost, or at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. We review goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or on an interim basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the fair value of such assets may be below their carrying amount. In conducting our annual impairment test, we first review qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount. If factors indicate that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount, we perform a quantitative assessment of the asset, analyzing the expected present value of future cash flows to quantify the amount of impairment, if any. We perform our annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.
For our annual goodwill impairment tests in the fourth quarters of 2023 and 2022, we performed a qualitative assessment to determine whether the fair value of goodwill was more likely than not less than the carrying value. Based on economic conditions and industry and market considerations, we determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of goodwill was greater than its carrying value; therefore, the quantitative impairment test was not performed. Therefore, we did not record any goodwill impairment for the years 2023 and 2022.
Our intangible assets consist of indefinite-lived intangible assets, including tradename, trademarks, trade dress, and definite-lived intangible assets such as customer relationships, trademarks, patents, and other intangibles assets, such as copyrights and domain name. We also capitalize the costs of acquired trademarks, trade dress, patents, other intangibles, such as copyrights and domain name assets, and patent and trademark defense costs. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. See Note 6 for the estimated useful lives of our definite-lived intangible assets.
External legal costs incurred in the defense of our patents and trademarks are capitalized when we believe that the future economic benefit of the intangible asset will be increased, and a successful defense is probable. In the event of a successful defense, the settlements received are netted against the external legal costs that were capitalized. Where the defense of the patent and trademark maintains rather than increases the expected future economic benefits from the asset, the costs are expensed as incurred. The external legal costs incurred and settlements received may not occur in the same period. Capitalized costs incurred during 2023, 2022, and 2021 primarily relate to external legal costs incurred in the defense of our patents and trademarks, net of settlements received.