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

Jey Uso Wins His 1st Singles Title, Social Media Reacts Responsible AI In 2025 there will be a growing awareness of the importance of developing and deploying AI in a way that’s ethical, secure, transparent, reliable, and respectful of intellectual property rights. —Bernard Marr, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024

The fact that there’s been interest in Jones intellectual property assets, including his social media accounts, might mean the latter is more likely. —Tovia Smith, NPR, 24 Sep. 2024

Referencing the global scope of the problem, the CBP said that nearly 66 percent of all of its intellectual property rights seizures were from China in fiscal 2023. —Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 24 Sep. 2024

Right now, much of the U.S. public and policy conversation is consumed by how to counter China and defend American workers, infrastructure, technology, and intellectual property against foreign threats. —Jessica Chen Weiss, Foreign Affairs, 16 Sep. 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