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

Paired with Ellison’s apparent plan to leverage intellectual property as the primary value driver, rather than investing in big-budget original content, the signals point to yet another historic production house at risk of decimation under the guise of financial engineering. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026

And Authentic Brands Group, the brand management company that is said to already control 51 percent of Saks Global’s intellectual property, is also not involved in the bankruptcy filing. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Jan. 2026

Following bankruptcy, the chain liquidated stores, leases and intellectual property before five stores reopened in the state. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 Jan. 2026

The deal gives Radial Entertainment digital rights to the franchise across all platforms and territories, with Goldstein Pictures retaining linear television rights to the show as well as the underlying intellectual property. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 9 Jan. 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 property