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

Pfizer will run interactive streaming ads that use Oscar marks and intellectual property, says Campbell. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 12 Mar. 2026

There’s no legal strategy that will recast the multiple areas of federal and state law at issue—including a complex array of antitrust, labor, employment, intellectual property and education laws—to recreate a time in history that has passed. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Mar. 2026

In addition to Stiller’s objection earlier this week, other businesses and individuals have also spoken out against the White House’s use of intellectual property. —Evan Drellich, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has released its annual Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy, highlighting online and physical markets that engage in duping shoppers and intellectual property theft. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 5 Mar. 2026

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 also:

property