ETYM Latin proprietarius.
Protected by trademark or patent or copyright; made or produced or distributed by one having exclusive rights.
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.

1. One that possesses, owns, or holds exclusive right to something; specifically; proprietor
2. Something that is used, produced, or marketed under exclusive legal right of the inventor or maker; specifically; a drug (as a patent medicine) that is protected by secrecy, patent, or copyright against free competition as to name, product, composition, or process of manufacture
3. A business secretly owned by and run as a cover for an intelligence organization