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 deal included the division's intellectual property and roughly 350 employees. Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 The final steps often include DNS updates, registrar coordination and legal reviews, especially if intellectual property rights are involved. Michael Gargiulo, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025 Elie Tahari contributed the intellectual property for the Tahari and T Tahari collections along with related trademarks into the joint venture with Bluestar, which is responsible for the day-to-day management and licensing of those brands domestically and internationally. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 29 July 2025 In a co-founder startup, there are myriad — voting rights, intellectual property ownership, equity, vesting, salary, title, money, authority, etc. Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Intellectual property.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellectual%20property. Accessed 3 Aug. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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