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

Xreal has cited the ruling as validation of its intellectual property claims. —Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

Hollywood Drift will open as the latest in a growing line of roller coasters themed to major intellectual properties at the Universal Orlando Resort. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Jan. 2026

The Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi will fund construction and pay Sphere a franchise initiation fee for the right to build the arena that will use Sphere’s proprietary designs, technology and intellectual property. —Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 20 Jan. 2026

Medialink Group Limited is launching Con-Con Hong Kong 2026, billed as Asia’s first comprehensive intellectual property extravaganza, set for April 4-5 at AsiaWorld-Expo. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Jan. 2026

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