Which of the following represents intangible assets owned by a business that are protected by law?

Intangible assets represent non-physical assets that hold value for a business but do not have a physical form. Among the options provided, intellectual property is the term that accurately describes these intangible assets which are protected by law. Intellectual property encompasses various legal rights that protect creations of the mind, such as inventions, designs, brands, and artistic works. This protection can exclude others from using or profiting from these creations without permission, thus safeguarding the interests of the owner.

Investment capital refers to financial resources used to purchase physical assets or inventory, and human resources pertain to the workforce or employees of a business, neither being intangible assets protected by law. Laissez faire is an economic philosophy advocating minimal government intervention in business, and it does not relate to intangible assets or their legal protections. Therefore, intellectual property stands out as the correct answer due to its legal backing and representation of intangible assets.