proprietary company

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proprietary company" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a type of company that is privately owned and does not publicly trade its shares. Example: "The proprietary company has developed innovative software solutions that cater to niche markets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

BHP Ltd. was registered in Victoria on Aug. 13, 1885, as Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited (BHP).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mining operations were developed by the Broken Hill Proprietary Company, Ltd. (now BHP Billiton), formed in 1885.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He also confirmed the breach, saying: "Law enforcement will investigate the illegal taking of proprietary company property".

The Guardian - Tech

So what you are able to do as a proprietary company is to raise your prices just below what the pain is for the customer to switch across.

The Guardian - Tech

After his retirement, Shaw joined California Berry Cultivars, a new proprietary company that hopes to compete with Driscoll's in the race to invent a superior berry.

The New Yorker

Apple pulled out of Macworld Boston a few years ago, so it will be interesting to see if the San Francisco event survives without the proprietary company.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Only Driscoll's and a few other proprietary companies would survive.

The New Yorker

He told me, "The proprietary companies have an opportunity to benefit from no more competition from new and improved varieties".

The New Yorker

A formidable if cantankerous and territorial breeder, Shaw was loyal to the growers who depended on his cultivars and uninterested in working with proprietary companies like Driscoll's.

The New Yorker

But in any event, it is a passive investment company... so we will be writing to Asic to make sure that it is no longer left on that list of large exempt proprietary companies.

The Guardian

"The grandfathering of exempted proprietary companies was done to avoid disrupting businesses which would have established themselves under other business forms if they had known they would have additional compliance and reporting requirements which might be subsequently introduced," Cormann said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proprietary company", ensure it is clear that you are referring to a company that is privately owned and controls its intellectual property or methods.

Common error

Avoid using "proprietary company" when you simply mean a company that owns property. The term implies exclusive rights and control over something, such as a technology or process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proprietary company" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of business entity. It is used to describe a company that is privately owned and typically controls its own intellectual property, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

29%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proprietary company" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to describe a privately owned business with control over its intellectual property. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usage across varied contexts like news, encyclopedias, and science. While alternatives like "private firm" or "privately held company" exist, "proprietary company" specifically emphasizes the company's ownership and control. When using this phrase, ensure it reflects the company's private status and exclusive rights. The term's neutral to professional register makes it suitable for formal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

private firm

Replaces "company" with a synonym, "firm", while retaining the meaning of a privately owned entity.

privately held company

More explicitly states that the company's ownership is private, emphasizing its non-public status.

closely held corporation

Uses "corporation" instead of "company" and highlights the concentrated ownership structure.

non-public business

Focuses on the aspect that the business does not offer shares to the public.

unlisted company

Highlights the fact that the company's shares are not traded on a stock exchange.

family-owned business

Specifies that the company is owned and operated by a family, a common type of proprietary company.

independent company

Emphasizes the company's autonomy and lack of affiliation with larger organizations.

exclusive firm

Highlights the exclusive nature of the company's products, services, or operations.

sole proprietorship

Refers to a business owned and run by one person and in which there is no legal distinction between the owner and the business.

limited liability company

This alternative indicates that the company is registered as an LLC, offering its owners limited liability.

FAQs

How is a "proprietary company" different from a public company?

A "proprietary company" is privately owned, and its shares are not traded on public markets. A public company, in contrast, offers shares to the general public and is subject to more stringent regulations.

What are some synonyms for "proprietary company"?

Alternatives to "proprietary company" include "private firm", "privately held company", and "closely held corporation".

What does it mean when a company claims a technology is "proprietary"?

When a company states its technology is "proprietary", it means they have exclusive rights and control over that technology, typically through patents, trademarks, or trade secrets.

Is a "limited liability company" a type of "proprietary company"?

A "limited liability company" (LLC) can be a type of "proprietary company" in that it is typically privately held. The term 'proprietary' emphasizes ownership and control more than the legal structure.