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

What makes the 2025 rumors so compelling, however, is that a few of them seem to be backed up by intellectual property filings (in the case of the natural escapement leak, for example, Rolex has, apparently, filed a patent). —Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2025

Representation has occurred in litigation, intellectual property negotiations, labor and employment disputes, mergers and acquisitions, stadium financing deals and assorted other matters. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Mar. 2025

For India’s entertainment sector — one of the world’s largest by volume — WAVES Bazaar represents an infrastructure investment that could potentially amplify the country’s position in content creation, intellectual property development, and technological innovation. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 Mar. 2025

According to league sources, there was once a perception within the Texans organization that there were discussions for Houston to possibly regain the Oilers history and intellectual property. —Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 28 Mar. 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