Definition
Non-fungible means that individual items have distinct identities or attributes that can matter to their value or use. A unique collectible is not automatically equivalent to another collectible simply because both belong to the same collection. In blockchain systems, non-fungible tokens commonly use separate token identifiers.
How Distinction Is Represented
A contract can record ownership of each identifier and associate it with metadata, a right or a reference to content. The underlying file may be stored outside the blockchain. Two tokens can link to similar or identical media while remaining different on-chain records, so technical uniqueness and artistic originality are separate questions.
Key Considerations
Owning a non-fungible token does not automatically grant copyright, commercial licensing or ownership of a physical object. Those rights depend on the terms and enforceable arrangements. Transferability, storage availability and authenticity also require separate evaluation. Non-fungibility does not guarantee rarity in an economically meaningful sense, a willing buyer or a particular resale price. Fractional representations can introduce additional structures without making the original item identical to others.