Proprietarily

Proprietarily refers to something that is owned, controlled, or used exclusively by a specific individual, company, or entity. This exclusivity is often established through legal means, such as patents, copyrights, or trade secrets, which grant the owner certain rights over the item or information. The term is frequently used in the context of intellectual property, where proprietary software, for example, is developed and maintained by a single company and its use is governed by specific licensing agreements. Similarly, proprietary data is information that belongs to an organization and is not generally made public. This concept is central to business and technology, as it allows creators to benefit from their innovations and maintain a competitive advantage. The opposite of proprietary is often considered open or public, where access and use are not restricted by exclusive ownership.