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.
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 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 2 Feb. 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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