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

These licenses give Fanatics/Topps the rights to use the intellectual property of the respective soccer federations — their names, logos, crests that appear on uniforms and uniform designs — on trading cards and stickers. —Larry Holder, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026

John Deere signed a memorandum of understanding in 2023 that partially addressed those concerns, providing third parties with the technology to diagnose and repair, as long as its intellectual property was safeguarded. —Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 8 Apr. 2026

Contestants retain the rights to their intellectual property. —USA Today, 6 Apr. 2026

Disputes over Saba’s intellectual property and creative contributions escalated during his relationship with the brand, with claims spanning a broad range of issues. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 5 Apr. 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