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

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has released its annual Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy, highlighting online and physical markets that engage in duping shoppers and intellectual property theft—and some familiar names have made the list. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 5 Mar. 2026

Antitrust immunity doesn’t shield conduct from other areas of law, including employment law, education law, intellectual property law and immigration law. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Mar. 2026

Broadcom helps other companies translate their chip designs into silicon, providing intellectual property and backend technologies before they’re sent off to chip fabrication plants from companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. —Jordan Novet,katie Tarasov, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026

Because the preparation is aligned with real market demand, nearly all graduates secure employment — or go on to create jobs themselves, supported by engineering, manufacturing and intellectual property training. —Ajaypal Banga, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 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 also:

property