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

Since athletes have been able to earn NIL, some have been victimized by agents who have charged shockingly high commissions or have tried to take ownership of the athlete’s intellectual property rights. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 2025

The studio aims to continue investing behind its team and acquiring more intellectual property, such as through partnerships with Nintendo, which led to Super Mario. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2025

Last year, Paige was able to buy back the rights to her name, intellectual property and social media accounts in a settlement agreement after JLM Couture filed for bankruptcy. —Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 7 Dec. 2025

Further, Jordan has sued others for extortion and for unlawful use of his intellectual property. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 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