Final answer:
Goodwill is the intangible asset that is recorded only when a company is acquired, unlike trademarks, which can be owned and renewed indefinitely by the original company.
Step-by-step explanation:
The intangible asset that is recorded only when an acquiring company purchases another company is C. Goodwill. Goodwill arises when a company is purchased for more than the fair value of its net identifiable assets. Unlike trademarks, franchises, or brand names, goodwill is not recognized as an asset unless it is acquired in a business combination. Trademarks, such as the Nike “swoosh” or the name Chevrolet for cars, are symbols or names that identify goods and can be renewed indefinitely as long as they remain in active use. They can be recorded as assets by the company that owns them without the need for a business combination. Therefore, the correct answer is Goodwill.