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

The best way to address this problem is to defend the intellectual property of U.S. firms in trade negotiations. —Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025

The strategy also included the wind-down of the Rebecca Taylor brand and the sale of the Vince intellectual property to Authentic Brands Group in return for $76.5 million in cash and a 25 percent membership interest in ABG Vince. —David Moin, Footwear News, 2 May 2025

China has for decades employed malicious trade practices that undermine the United States, our industrial capacity, and our intellectual property. —Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025

This group also advises on libel, intellectual property, and other concerns relating to content. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 1 May 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