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

Authentic Brands will obtain 51% of Guess’s intellectual property, while the remaining shares will remain with current shareholders. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025

Mounting antitrust concerns over Microsoft’s role in the deal, and debates over whether the tech giant would have access to Windsurf’s intellectual property, also stalled the talks, the person said. —Ashley Capoot,salvador Rodriguez,annie Palmer, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2025

The conference component opens with Demo Jam Kickoff, followed by sessions including The Cinematic Singularity discussing AI-cinema convergence and How to Drive Value From IP in 2025 exploring intellectual property shifts. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Aug. 2025

The company now manages the MF Doom estate and owns the intellectual property associated with the rapper. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 12 Aug. 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