intellectual property

noun

plural intellectual properties

: property (such as a concept, idea, invention, or work) that derives from the effort of the mind or intellect

… Netflix is home to several popular intellectual properties like "Squid Game", "Power Rangers", and the 1980s sci-fi horror hit "Stranger Things".

—Danni Button

also : a right or registration (such as a patent, trademark, trade secret, or copyright) relating to or protecting this property

In a number of cases, tech companies have infringed on the intellectual property of smaller rivals, who have sued in court.

—The Boston Herald

called also IP

Examples of intellectual property in a Sentence

Any song that you write is your intellectual property.

Recent Examples on the Web

By renegotiating deals and breathing new life into existing intellectual property, Red Giant has significantly increased clients’ royalties and created new revenue streams for their families. —Matt Emma, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025

Young, 24, filed an intellectual property court claim on behalf of Young and Sony Music Publishing, alleging that Lang claimed writing credits for four of her songs. —Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025

India doesn’t have explicitly uniform intellectual property rights like the US, but courts have routinely sided with stars alleging such violations. —Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025

The drop reflects steep losses across his holdings in spirits, real estate, intellectual property, and private investments. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

intellectual property

noun

: property (as an idea, method, or written work) that derives from the work of the mind

Legal Definition

intellectual property

see property