What does the term chattel refer to?

The term "chattel" refers specifically to movable personal property. In legal contexts, chattel encompasses a wide range of items that can be owned and transferred, with the exception of real estate or immovable property. This can include tangible items such as vehicles, furniture, and equipment, which are all classified as chattels because they can be moved from one location to another.

Understanding the distinction between chattel and other types of property, such as real estate, legal documents, or intellectual property, is crucial for professionals in fields such as law and real estate. Real estate refers to land and anything permanently attached to it, while legal documents are formal papers related to legal rights, and intellectual property pertains to creations of the mind, such as inventions or trademarks. Each of these categories has its own legal definitions and implications, contrasting with the more flexible definition of chattel as it pertains to personal, movable possessions.