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.
A number of Republicans have voiced other concerns, including the worry that a treaty could threaten U.S. intellectual property rights by requiring pharmaceutical companies to share their proprietary information about potential treatments in the event of a health emergency. Fatma Tanis, NPR, 17 Jan. 2025 Going forward, apart from commercializing current and future IAC intellectual property, Aidoptation will also market, organize and monetize future racing events and take over the operational aspects of building, upgrading and maintaining robotic racecars for its university partners. Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 In the case of Nintendo, that includes some of the entertainment industry’s best intellectual property, including the world of Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., Donkey Kong, and others. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Jan. 2025 The next two years are stacked with blockbuster franchises and films tied to popular, existing intellectual property. Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2025 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 23 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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