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

But a private equity firm that bought the company’s intellectual property has rebooted it with the help of former employees. —Max Scheinblum, The Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2024

In the face of falling sales, Nintendo has tried to license out its intellectual property for use everywhere, from movies to theme parks. —Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024

Robust data protection programs ensure that personal information and intellectual property are protected from misuse and unauthorized access and that data is handled in compliance with privacy regulations. —Kevin Lynch, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Other locations – there are more than 160 in the U.S. and others internationally – along with the TGI Fridays brand and intellectual property are owned by another entity, TGI Fridays Franchisor, LLC. —Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024

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