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

However, People reported the former couple will split their assets, including homes, cars, an aircraft and any intellectual property. — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026

Clinical success depends not only upon sound science but also on regulatory decisions, manufacturing execution, reimbursement policies, physician adoption, competitive products, intellectual property, and timing. — Steve Brozak, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

By leveraging its intellectual property, Playboy pursues an asset-light model across licensing, digital content, consumer products and experiential offerings. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

The New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft in 2023, alleging that the companies infringed on copyright by using its intellectual property to train models. — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 21 July 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