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

Who can claim this jumble of junior-varsity field hockey teams, center-justified poetry, and polyester tux jackets as their intellectual property? —Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

Media titans like Disney and Comcast have already provided the blueprint on how to leverage amusement parks to promote intellectual property. —Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025

But Looney Tunes, one of Warner’s most recognizable intellectual properties, never felt like premium programming on Zaslav’s streamer, which was likelier to bury classic cartoons under rows upon rows of Discovery+ content and House of the Dragon promos. —Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025

Nicklaus and Milstein eventually had a falling out, which led to a dispute over control of Nicklaus’ intellectual property. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Oct. 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