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

At Mattel, Kreiz wanted to transform the now-81-year-old company from a toy manufacturer into an entertainment and intellectual property company built around franchises and fans. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

Private equity remains an essential part of M&A, but corporate leaders are increasingly using transactions to acquire technology, talent, intellectual property, customers and geographic reach that could take years to develop organically. — Rusty Wiley, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

That includes financial assets, investment accounts, intellectual property, personal belongings and other assets used for retirement or financial planning. — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Beam alleges Chinese company stole its IP Beam Therapeutics has filed a lawsuit alleging one of its former scientists stole intellectual property and used it to co-found a Chinese company that recently made a deal with prominent VC firms. — Elaine Chen, STAT, 30 Sep. 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