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 their part, studios are under pressure to cut costs and find ways to use AI in film and TV production, while also preventing unauthorized use of their intellectual property. — Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

The sale includes inventory, materials, and the company's intellectual property. — Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Her decision to license her likeness and rights to her books reflects the shifting conversation around AI licensing beyond intellectual property such as characters and catalogues into personalities themselves. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026

In an era of AI abundance, high levels of trust make people want to stretch their skills, stay with the company, and create new intellectual property (IP). — Ted Kitterman, Fortune, 27 Aug. 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