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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Three-quarters of research and development spending goes toward wages and salaries, making R&D amortization not just an investment, tax, and intellectual property issue, but also an important jobs issue. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 The acquisition is expected to strengthen Dolby's intellectual property portfolio. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 19 Nov. 2024 The Trump administration now needs to get serious about shaping regional and global conventions around digital trade, anticorruption, and intellectual property rights to counter Beijing’s efforts to bend weaker states to its will and obstruct U.S. economic access. Michael Green, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024 Executives should understand terms for data usage and intellectual property rights in vendor agreements. Abhishek Shivanna, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intellectual property 

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intellectual property was in 1769

Dictionary Entries Near intellectual property

Cite this Entry

“Intellectual property.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellectual%20property. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on intellectual property

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!