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

There was significant intellectual property to commercialize. —Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center also moved to protect the intellectual property, filing a patent application in June 2023. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025

When Masten filed for bankruptcy in 2022, Astrobotic acquired its intellectual property and assets, including the Xodiac vehicle. —Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025

Since Temu announced that, several intellectual property lawsuits against it have come to light, including one from fast-fashion brand Brandy Melville. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 12 Sep. 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