business sectors

A/R is the abbreviation for accounts receivable.

[Last reviewed in June of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]

Ab initio is a Latin term that means "from the beginning” or “from inception.” Ab initio is used to indicate that some fact existed from the start of a relevant time period. It is often used as part of the phrase “void ab initio,” meaning something - such as a marriage - was void from the beginning.

[Last reviewed in June of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]

An “abandoned application” refers to the abandonment of a patent or trademark application.  An application is removed from the docket of pending applications at the U.S.

• patent law

Abandoned property is personal property that was left by an owner who intentionally relinquishes all rights to its control.  Real property may not be abandoned (see also adverse possession).

• property law
• personal property

Abandonment of a trademark occurs when the owner of the trademark deliberately ceases to use the trademark for three or more years, with no intention of using the trademark again in the future.

An abatement clause is defined as a provision in a lease agreement that releases the tenant from paying rent if an act of God makes occupancy impossible or otherwise precludes the property from being used.

See also: Abatement

• property

Abercrombie classification, taking its name from the case Abercrombie & Fitch Co. v. Hunting World Inc., is a system designating how distinct a given trademark is for the purposes of intellectual property law.

• branding

The absolute bar rule prohibits a creditor who disposes of collateral in a commercially unreasonable manner from obtaining a deficiency judgment. 

For example:

Accelerated filer is a class of reporting company which has shorter deadlines to file their periodic reports. 

An accommodation is a means of providing assistance or convenience for a person, and the practice of modifying objects and situations to the benefit or needs of another person. Originally, accommodation meant a loan or other financial favor.