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

China too is financing intellectual property lawsuits in Manhattan to steal Western tech secrets from rival firms. —David Faris, Newsweek, 9 July 2024

To counter this growing threat, lawmakers in the Senate and House have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at securing American health data and protecting intellectual property. —Randall Woodfin, Fortune, 3 July 2024

Apple’s growing partnership with OpenAI further calls into question the standing of major studios and the Motion Picture Association, which counts Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix among its members, on issues related to the use of intellectual property to train AI systems. —Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 July 2024

Many of the 16 teams operate as nonprofits, with a for-profit arm owning intellectual property. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 26 June 2024

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