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

The law also imposes restraints on club intellectual property that are unimaginable (and perhaps unconstitutional) in America and which substantially preclude new or interesting brand ideas and their related monetization. —Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Retail comeback follows online shift Before partnering with Beyond Inc., The Brand House Collective had already shifted Bed Bath & Beyond’s business model to online-only sales, following Overstock’s acquisition of the brand’s intellectual property in June 2023, USA TODAY reported. —Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 7 Aug. 2025

Under that pact, the NFL will license to ESPN certain NFL content and other intellectual property to be used by NFL Network and other assets. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025

Strengthen operations, reduce owner dependence, protect intellectual property and increase recurring revenue to boost valuation. —Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 2 Aug. 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