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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Alaskan setting, which Freeman saw as her intellectual property, is surprisingly common: Pelletier estimates that about ninety-five per cent of vampire novels take place in Alaska, New Orleans, or Las Vegas. Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025 As reported, Regal Brands Global (RBG) acquired the Lord & Taylor intellectual property (IP) in September. Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 6 Jan. 2025 And in the seemingly always-active game of snapping up intellectual property, WHP Global closed out the year with a deal to buy Vera Wang, while Marquee Brands brought Laura Ashley on board just as 2025 dawned. Evan Clark, WWD, 6 Jan. 2025 With semiconductors being essential components for advanced weapon systems, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence, manufacturing domestically means the U.S. can better protect supply chains and intellectual property. Steven Dudash, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intellectual property 

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intellectual property was in 1769

Dictionary Entries Near intellectual property

Cite this Entry

“Intellectual property.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellectual%20property. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on intellectual property

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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