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

Additionally, privacy, data security and intellectual property concerns must be addressed when handling sensitive or unpublished research material. —Beth Worthy, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

And the company has used its recognizable intellectual property and licensed it to movies and theme parks, boosting the success of its core video game product. —Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 18 June 2025

Under the current Microsoft-OpenAI arrangement, Microsoft enjoys access to Windsurf intellectual property. —Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 17 June 2025

The new visa policy, a spokesperson said, is meant to prevent China from exploiting American universities and stealing intellectual property. —Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 14 June 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