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

Ryan West has left the world of traditional jobs behind since founding his fast-growing business CodexWest, which offers expert witness services, primarily for intellectual property lawsuits. — Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

For Cruella, he was handed another piece of female-centric intellectual property by Disney, making a complex figure out of a classic cartoon villain. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026

The measure would impose a one-time 5% tax on taxpayers and trusts with assets — such as businesses, art and intellectual property — valued at more than $1 billion, with some exclusions, such as property. — Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026

Entry must be the original work of the entrant, may not have been previously published, may not have won previous awards, and must not infringe upon the copyrights, trademarks, rights of privacy, publicity or other intellectual property or other rights of any person or entity. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 25 June 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