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

Private copying levies exist because hardware only has value if intellectual property exists to fill it. —Shain Shapiro, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

As with intellectual property theft, attackers can steal or copy proprietary AI systems when AI security safeguards are not in place. —Connie Etemadi, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026

For the innovation impact on technological advancement, Statista R cooperated with LexisNexis® Intellectual Property Solutions to analyze the quantity and value of an institution’s intellectual property portfolio. —Time Staff, Time, 28 Jan. 2026

In an era where regurgitated intellectual property reigns supreme, a straightforwardly simple but meaningful original story can feel the most radical. —Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 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 property