an unincorporated business owned by a single person who is responsible for its liabilities and entitled to its profits; proprietorship
adj.
protected by trademark or patent or copyright; made or produced or distributed by one having exclusive rights
`Tylenol' is a proprietary drug of which `acetaminophen' is the generic form
Microsoft Computer Dictionary
adj. Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of something that is privately owned. Generally, the term refers to technology that has been developed by a particular corporation or entity, with specifications that are considered by the owner to be trade secrets. Proprietary technology may be legally used only by a person or entity purchasing an explicit license. Also, other companies are unable to duplicate the technology, both legally and because its specifications have not been divulged by the owner. Compare public domain.
