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

In this case, Gamefam has maintained a working relationship with the game maker, Mats Watte, whose original creation did not feature any intellectual property from soccer organizations. —Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 22 Dec. 2025

The Horror Section and WeShort have unveiled the winners of HorrorShorts, a global competition for original horror short film scripts created to champion bold new voices and develop original intellectual property in the horror genre. —Brent Lang, Variety, 18 Dec. 2025

The new funding for Ankar comes as intellectual property has become increasingly critical to corporate value. —Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025

While the Competence Center will be built and operated by Encory GmbH, the intellectual property for the recycling method is owned in full by the BMW Group. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Dec. 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