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

However, Daniels said that contract was signed by the conferences, Notre Dame and BCS Properties LLC—a legacy entity originally formed to manage the Bowl Championship Series media rights and that continues to serve as the intellectual property rights holder for the CFP brand. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Apr. 2025

The company says that at every turn, the studio appropriated and misused their intellectual property to profit at the creators’ expense. —Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025

When meals are designed around intellectual property instead of ingredients, and when scarcity becomes a feature rather than a flaw, fast food transforms into merch. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Created during Trump’s first term but used mainly against China thus far, the ACI allows the EU to impose trade restrictions on services, intellectual property rights, and foreign direct investment if a country is deemed to be using tariffs on goods to coerce policy changes in the EU. —Ece Yildirim, Quartz, 3 Apr. 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