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

Dentsu is folding its proprietary Japanese intellectual property research into its Dentsu. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026

Crocs’ attorneys say Five Below kept selling Crocs look-alikes and accessories even after being notified this March of their trademark, patent, and intellectual property infringement. — Erin McCarthy, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

The exact terms of the PWHL’s loan, including the value of the league’s intellectual property, were not disclosed in the documents. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Vulcan says its own supply chain does not depend on China for its materials, technology, software, or intellectual property. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 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