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

Entertainment giants are truly grasping for any hint of intellectual property this days — including by plumbing the depths of random playground games. —Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026

That includes understanding how to stage information carefully during diligence, protecting your intellectual property properly and knowing where additional caution is necessary. —Daniela Schardinger, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Under these new partnerships, Fox will help creators develop premium intellectual property, expand into new formats, and build their brands by taking advantage of Fox’s ad sales, brand partnership, global distribution, and production capabilities. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 18 June 2026

Gibson said the patent publication establishes the technical foundation of the Halo reactor and begins what the company expects to become a broader intellectual property portfolio. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 June 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