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

When tax reform is heavily focused on intangible income, AI businesses fit squarely within the target zone because their value and income is significantly, if not entirely, based on intellectual property, not physical assets. —Priya Prakash Royal Esq. Ll.m. Mba Aep Tep, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

Are Big Tech companies stealing our intellectual property? —Gina Chua, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2025

In a fact sheet published on July 30, the White House said 90% of all cargo seizures in fiscal 2024, including 98% of narcotics seizures and 97% of intellectual property rights seizures, originated as de minimis shipments. —Gabrielle Fonrouge,melissa Repko,annie Palmer, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2025

The bulk of that spending from businesses was on intellectual property products. —Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 28 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