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.

---

intellectual property British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of intellectual property

An Americanism dating back to 1840–45

Example Sentences

Bhargava didn’t go quietly; according to legal filings, he threatened to delete Sports Illustrated’s archive of intellectual property.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

The once-highflying company agreed to sell its intellectual property to American Exchange Group, whose brands include Ed Hardy and Aerosoles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The lawyers added that former collaborators in the project had "unlawfully transferred the business and intellectual property assets of System de Min to a new company" not in their client's name.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

The company, which historically has licensed intellectual property to chip manufacturers, will be facing off with its own customers.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

He didn’t answer when I asked whether he considered train tickets material or intellectual property.

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz