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 White House’s social media accounts frequently use intellectual property, including music, movies and games, to spread pro-Trump messages, ostensibly without the permission of the companies who own the rights to the parodied IP. — Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

And China is a rule-breaker and steals intellectual property. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026

Qualcomm makes significant profit through its QTL division, which licenses its intellectual property for cellular connections and other chip technology to other companies. — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 29 July 2026

Biden argued the administration had been too deferential to Wall Street and too cautious about confronting China over intellectual property theft. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 29 July 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