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

Now, the company is positioning itself as a defender of intellectual property in AI development. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025

The debate has significant implications for how intellectual property laws would adapt to integrate advancements in AI and digital information dissemination. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Jan. 2025

Maintaining this dominance will mean, at least in part, understanding exactly what Chinese tech firms are doing—as well as protecting U.S. intellectual property, experts say. —Billy Perrigo, TIME, 27 Jan. 2025

There’s an exhaustible supply of intellectual property, meaning the entertainment industry needs new ideas in order to survive. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 17 Jan. 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