proprietary position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'proprietary position' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a business advantage or strategic position that one company holds over its competitors. For example, one company might have a proprietary position on a certain type of technology, or a type of product.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A proprietary position in a high-growth market should not be this hard a sell.

The Economist

We are always driving for an ironclad proprietary position in all our products around the world.

Harvard Business Review

That gesture gave Wood a proprietary position in the jocks-gone-wild discourse that attended the lacrosse scandal.

The New Yorker

Dr. Evan Snyder, director of stem cell research at the Burnham Institute in La Jolla, Calif., said WARF "hindered the field" to enhance its proprietary position, making it expensive to obtain cell lines and for scientists to collaborate.

The New York Times

"Holding substantial securities in a trading book for an extended period obviously assumes the character of a proprietary position, particularly if not specifically hedged," Mr. Volcker wrote in his comment letter.

The New York Times

A patent, besides securing a proprietary position, must also have commercial value.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It didn't just connect clients with capital; it also was aggressive in taking lucrative but risky proprietary positions.

The New York Times

The winners will be either big national guys with great computer systems and cost controls, or the guys with strong proprietary positions in regional markets.

The New York Times

They did not want trading to start until they were fully confident of their ability to serve their customers and defend proprietary positions in the market.

The New York Times

He questioned the large profits that some investment banks enjoy from taking proprietary positions at the same time as they make markets for their customers, wondering whether this sort of provision of liquidity is over-valued.

The Economist

"You're never going to be able to craft a rule that permits legitimate market-making activities that our economy desperately needs while at the same time prohibiting proprietary positions," said Mr. Seiberg of MF Global.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a company's competitive advantage, use "proprietary position" to indicate a legally protected or uniquely owned asset that sets them apart.

Common error

Avoid using "proprietary position" to describe a temporary advantage. This phrase implies a more durable, legally defensible, or uniquely owned asset.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proprietary position" functions as a noun phrase, where "proprietary" modifies "position". It describes a specific type of position held, one that is exclusive and often legally protected. As Ludwig shows, this can relate to intellectual property, market share, or a unique capability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

22%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proprietary position" is a noun phrase that signifies a unique and often legally protected advantage held by an entity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While not the most frequent phrase, its presence in news, business, and scientific contexts underscores its professional and formal register. To effectively use this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a lasting, legally defensible advantage, not just a temporary benefit. Understanding its semantic weight and appropriate contexts will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusive market position

Emphasizes the control and exclusion of others from the market.

protected market niche

Highlights the safeguarding of a specific area within the market.

exclusive competitive advantage

Focuses on the unique edge a company has over its rivals.

dominant market share

Highlights the large portion of the market controlled.

sole control of the market

Emphasizes complete and unchallenged authority in the market.

ownership stake

Focuses on the aspect of possessing a portion of something, especially a business.

intellectual property stronghold

Emphasizes the protective nature of intellectual property.

strategic asset

Focuses on the asset aspect from a strategic point of view.

cornered market

Highlights a market where one entity has overwhelming control.

unique market advantage

Focuses on the advantageous nature of being unique within the market.

FAQs

How can I use "proprietary position" in a sentence?

You can use "proprietary position" to describe a company's unique advantage, such as "Having a patent gives the company a strong "proprietary position" in the market."

What's a good alternative to "proprietary position"?

Alternatives include "exclusive market position", "protected market niche", or "exclusive competitive advantage" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "own position" instead of "proprietary position"?

While "own position" is grammatically correct, it doesn't carry the same connotation of exclusivity and legal protection as ""proprietary position"". It's a weaker and less precise substitute.

When is it appropriate to use "proprietary position"?

Use "proprietary position" when you want to emphasize that a company's advantage is based on something they uniquely own or control, such as a patent, trade secret, or unique technology.