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

It's useful to think about what will remain strong sources of differentiation: ownership of physical resources; large social networks; proprietary data; high customer switching costs; strong distribution channels; intellectual property; talent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

That sentiment can often seem true in a market where studio executives favor sequels and drab intellectual property over originality and fresh takes.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026

Instead of manufacturing the processors themselves, Arm designs the blueprints and licenses its intellectual property to tech companies.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

In an entertainment landscape dominated by known franchises and intellectual property, the former TV and media executive wanted to leverage the company’s IP in new ways to attract consumers.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

It did not occur to Browne that the notion of intellectual property owed as much to Columbus as to the printing press.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton