English · Work & Business
intellectual property
/ˌɪn.təlˈek.tʃu.əl ˈprɒp.ər.ti/
[/ˌɪn.təlˈek.tʃu.əl ˈprɒp.ər.ti/]
legal rights to ideas
Advancednoun
Definition
Creations of the mind, such as inventions, designs, and brand names, that are protected by law.
Example
The company protects its intellectual property with patents so that rivals cannot copy its designs.
The company protects its intellectual property with patents so that rivals cannot copy its designs.
Etymology
A combination of 'intellectual' (Latin 'intellectus', understanding) and 'property' (Latin 'proprietas', ownership).
How & Where It’s Used
Often abbreviated 'IP'; central to law, technology, and the arts.