intellectual property

American  

noun

1. Law. property that results from original creative thought, as patents, copyright material, and trademarks.

2. an individual product of original creative thought.

   Microsoft’s Halo franchise is one of the most profitable intellectual properties in the video game industry.

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intellectual property British  

noun

1. an intangible asset, such as a copyright or patent

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Etymology

Origin of intellectual property

An Americanism dating back to 1840–45

Example Sentences

According to TikTok, some videos using its pre-launch model have been shared, and it said it respects intellectual property rights and copyright protections, and takes any potential infringement seriously.

From BBC

“Star Search” had been in the works for years since Netflix became the owner of the intellectual property.

From Los Angeles Times

The nature of capital also changed: Businesses spent less on long-lived buildings and factories and more on computer equipment, software and intellectual property that must be replaced every few years.

From The Wall Street Journal

This barrier, critics say, creates a fundamental conflict between corporate intellectual property rights and a citizen’s rights to privacy and due process.

From Salon

The 27-country bloc relies on foreign countries for over 80 percent of digital products, services, infrastructure and intellectual property, according to a 2023 EU report.

From Barron's