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

These initiatives may also lead to valuable intellectual property and market differentiation opportunities. —Dr Chibuzor Uwadi, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Nintendo is trying to adapt its intellectual property to other mediums, such as film. —Jay Ganglani, Fortune Asia, 6 Dec. 2024

For example, intellectual property theft — including theft of trade secrets — costs U.S. businesses between $225 billion and $600 billion annually. —Michael Slepian, eric Anicich, nir Halevy, Harvard Business Review, 2 Dec. 2024

Sun drew comparisons between conceptual art and the rise of NFTs (non-fungible tokens), emphasizing how both often derive their value from intellectual property rather than physical assets. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 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