intellectual property

noun

Meaning

Creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce, which are legally protected by patents, copyrights, or trademarks.

Examples

  • The company filed a lawsuit to protect its intellectual property from being copied by competitors.
  • Engineers must sign agreements ensuring that any inventions they develop remain the intellectual property of the firm.

Synonyms: creative work, proprietary rights, intangible assets, copyrighted material