Word: Proprietary Drug
Definition: A proprietary drug is a type of medicine that has a special name (called a trade name) and is protected by a patent. This means that only the company that created the drug can make and sell it for a certain number of years.
Usage Instructions:
When to Use: You can use the term "proprietary drug" when talking about medications that are exclusive to a specific company and when discussing the differences between generic drugs (which are not protected by patents and can be made by other companies) and proprietary drugs.
Example Sentence: "Tylenol is a proprietary drug that helps relieve pain and reduce fever."
Advanced Usage:
In discussions about pharmaceutical companies, intellectual property, and healthcare economics, you might say: "The proprietary drug market is highly competitive, with companies investing millions in research and development to secure patents."
Word Variants:
Proprietorship (noun): The state of owning a business or property.
Proprietary (adjective): Relating to an owner or ownership, often used to describe products that are protected by patents.
Different Meanings:
"Proprietary" can also refer to something that is owned or controlled by a company, not just drugs. For example, "proprietary software" is software that is owned by a specific company and cannot be modified or shared freely.
Synonyms:
Patent drug
Brand-name drug
Trade-name drug
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
"To patent": This means to legally protect an invention or product so that others cannot use it without permission.
"To corner the market": This phrase means to gain control over a particular market, often by having exclusive rights to sell a product.
Summary:
In summary, a proprietary drug is a unique medication that is protected by a patent, ensuring that only one company can produce and sell it.