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

Lucy Porter, an intellectual property lawyer at Bracewell in Houston, told the Statesman that these SDKs are not inherently harmful or against a law. —Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 3 July 2025

The intellectual property and the large revenues the infrastructure will generate will not be owned by Saudi Arabia, but by American and other foreign companies. —Jon Medved, semafor.com, 2 July 2025

Lululemon filed its lawsuit against Costco on Friday, June 27, alleging that the company infringes on intellectual property rights. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 2 July 2025

The new studio will develop, produce and globally distribute original intellectual properties and anime adaptations through what the partners describe as unique production models shaped by Azuki’s creative DNA. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 July 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