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

Years later, there’s still work to be done managing a film’s intellectual property rights and corporate vehicles. — Kim Jackson, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026

The brand management and entertainment firm purchased the intellectual property of Barneys out of bankruptcy for $271 million in 2019. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026

Last year, the university submitted nearly 200 patents and other intellectual property filings, according to its annual research impact report. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026

OpenAI is accusing a former employee of stealing intellectual property related to an unreleased device and later sharing some of the information with Apple. — Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 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