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

In Hollywood's relentless pursuit of reliable box office returns, pre-existing intellectual property has become the holy grail. —Damion Taylor, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Beyond deliverables, a significant focus of the research agreement pertains to the allocation of rights to the intellectual property and creative work that would arise from the research. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2024

Even Channel 4 — where insiders say commissioners think as deeply about UK intellectual property as the BBC thinks about impartiality — has opened its doors to Alone and Love Triangle from the U.S. and Australia respectively. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2024

Before her death, Westwood transferred her creative estate to the foundation, including her copyrights and intellectual property such as designs, artwork, works of art, writings, diaries, notes, drawings and other material. —Samantha Conti, WWD, 23 Oct. 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