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

The deal was a reminder — if one were needed — of just how potent the business of owning intellectual property has become. —Evan Clark, WWD, 19 Dec. 2024

Copyright, a form of intellectual property law, protects original works of authorship, such as books, music, and software, from unauthorized use. —Tonya M. Evans, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Brooks will be focused primarily on entertainment, business and intellectual property law but will also participate in the general practice section of the firm. —Thania Garcia, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024

Last year, The New York Times brought a lawsuit against Microsoft and OpenAI accusing the companies of infringing its copyright and abusing intellectual property to train large language models. —Ryan Browne, CNBC, 17 Dec. 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