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

Despite risks of the sharing and theft of sophisticated technologies and intellectual property, Intel continued, if not exacerbated such risks by continuing to maintain significant entanglement with Tsinghua. —Andrew King, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025

China will review the export of TikTok’s tech and intellectual property licensing needed to complete the deal, the commentary added. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2025

These are the keepers of your company’s vision, culture and intellectual property. —Pranav Dalal, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

Gino was among many different species of animals on display at the park, which also includes rides and attractions themed to intellectual properties like The Lion King, Dinosaur, and James Cameron's Avatar films. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 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