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

For a franchise as big as Demon Slayer, where the underlying intellectual property [created by Koyoharu Gotouge] has been loved and read by so many people, the first step for me was to make sure there was alignment in our interpretation of the source material. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 15 Dec. 2025

Under terms of the deal, Guess bought all of the operating assets of the brand and a 50/50 joint venture controlled by Guess and WHP acquired the brand’s intellectual property. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 15 Dec. 2025

Combining Netflix’s user-targeting algorithms with WBD’s intellectual properties could create a comparable alternative. —Satya Marar, Fortune, 12 Dec. 2025

The company’s global patent licensing revenue hit a record $630 million last year, with further growth expected in 2025, according to Huawei Vice President Alan Fan, who heads the company’s intellectual property rights department. —Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 10 Dec. 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