What is proprietary?

A proprietary product is something that is owned and controlled by a specific person, company, or organization. The creator keeps the rights to the design, code, or technology and decides who can use it, how it can be used, and whether anyone else can see or change it.

Let's break it down

  • Owned: The creator holds legal ownership, usually through patents, copyrights, or trade secrets.
  • Closed: The inner workings (like source code for software) are hidden from the public.
  • Licensed: Users must agree to a license that tells them what they can and cannot do with the product.
  • Restricted: You typically cannot copy, modify, or redistribute the product without permission.

Why does it matter?

Understanding proprietary vs. open alternatives helps you decide:

  • How much control you have over the tool.
  • What costs you might face (licensing fees, subscription fees).
  • Whether you can customize it to fit your needs.
  • What legal responsibilities you have when using it.

Where is it used?

  • Software: Microsoft Windows, Adobe Photoshop, many mobile apps.
  • Hardware: Apple iPhones, gaming consoles like PlayStation.
  • Media: Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify) that own the content they deliver.
  • Business tools: Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, CRM platforms like Salesforce.

Good things about it

  • Professional support: Companies often provide dedicated help desks, updates, and security patches.
  • Polished experience: Proprietary products are usually designed for ease of use and consistency.
  • Revenue for innovation: Money earned can fund research and development of new features.
  • Legal protection: Clear licensing can protect both the creator and the user from misuse.

Not-so-good things

  • Cost: Licenses, subscriptions, or upgrade fees can be expensive.
  • Lack of flexibility: You cannot modify the product to suit unique needs.
  • Vendor lock‑in: Switching to another solution may be difficult or costly.
  • Transparency issues: Hidden code or designs make it hard to verify security or privacy practices.