Brikk,
Proprietary in this sense means that it is a process and application of known technology that is considered to be owned by the company and may involve patents or copyrights. It also implies that the process or materials have not been divulged so that it can be duplicated. Once discovered by others, something that is prprietary can be recreated by others unless covered in part by patents, licensing [assignement] rights or copyrights.
Patented means that it is a technology or process that is so unique that it can be considered an invention. A patent contains 17 or 20 years of right protection and only inventors or their assignees of the invention have the right of manufacture or usage. Assignment of rights is without limitation and can have any stipulation deemed by the legally registered assignees recorded on the patent application after approval.
doc.feelgoode@yahoo.com
"It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to." --WC Fields
