intellectual property

noun

Updated on: 10 Apr 2018

Definition of intellectual property

: property (such as an idea, invention, or process) that derives from the work of the mind or intellect; also : an application, right, or registration relating to this

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Examples of intellectual property in a Sentence

Any song that you write is your intellectual property.

Recent Examples of intellectual property from the Web

The president accuses China of stealing U.S. intellectual property and other violations of global trade rules.

— major garrett, CBS News, "Mnuchin admits potential trade war with China, stocks tumble amid fears," 6 Apr. 2018
The administration has identified the unfair requirement of sharing intellectual property to do business in China and initiated a proceeding at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

— gary shapiro, Fortune, "Commentary: We Need a Reset With China, Not a Trade War," 6 Apr. 2018
This is not the first accusation that China has taken intellectual property from American companies.

— martin feldstein, WSJ, "How to Make Trade Peace With China," 4 Apr. 2018
American companies doing business in China have long argued that China uses a range of tactics to force them to transfer intellectual property, and that Chinese entities engage in widespread theft of U.S. trade secrets.

— Bloomberg.com, "China to Respond to New U.S. Duties With Same Scale, ‘Intensity,’ Ambassador Says," 3 Apr. 2018
The new entertainment studio has acquired a 50 percent stake in Aspen Comics & rights to the company’s intellectual property.

— katie krzaczek, Billboard, "Scooter Braun & Marvel Studios' David Maisel Team Up to Form Mythos Studios," 27 Mar. 2018
There may well be a deal out there on protecting US intellectual property, which this package of tariffs and other restrictions can help forge.

— evan horowitz, BostonGlobe.com, "Trump’s China tariffs could actually work," 22 Mar. 2018
Companies create intellectual property abroad; foreign pharma firms do most research in America.

— The Economist, "Corporate citizens of somewhere," 22 Mar. 2018
The school also had the right to review and comment on any and all marketing materials using Michigan's intellectual property.

— Detroit Free Press, "'All or Nothing: The Michigan Wolverines' Amazon series debuts April 6," 20 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intellectual property.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of intellectual property

1769

in the meaning defined above

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