Zagdad,
In the 15c2-11 Information Statement, on page 5 under "B. Business of Company", you find that the PIP is described as a "proprietary process." By referring to it as proprietary under that section, the company is stating in an official filing that the PIP is part of the company's business and implies some exclusive use of PIP not afforded others. This statement has a strict meaning of being a part of the business conducted either through ownership of the process or exclusive rights to that process. That statement cannot be made if it is simply some gentleman's agreement between long time friends.
doc.feelgoode@yahoo.com
"It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to." --WC Fields