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

Roth, in partnership with MCT, launched The Horror Section as a media company focused on building a strong library of intellectual property and creating a premier horror brand. —Alex Ritman, Variety, 16 May 2025

And despite pulling out, at least 25 big foreign companies, including McDonald’s, Mercedes, and Ikea, have made efforts to maintain their trademark and intellectual property rights in Russia. —Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor, 14 May 2025

Strong intellectual property rights make that possible — giving scientists and investors the security to turn bold ideas into life-saving cures. —Scott Suckow, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025

In a world where intellectual property is so important for data science, Tomorrow.io is inarguably collecting its own data from high above the Earth, and doing everything else using the power of AI. —John Werner, Forbes.com, 12 May 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