1.Proprietary Software Definition:

oProprietary software, also known as commercial software, is software that is exclusively owned and controlled by a single entity (usually a software company or vendor).

oUsers must obtain a license to use proprietary software, and the terms and conditions of this license are outlined in an end-user license agreement (EULA).

2.Ownership and Access to Source Code:

oProprietary software is considered “closed-source” because the source code is not available to the public.

oOnly the original developers or copyright holders have access to the complete source code.

oUsers do not have the right to modify or distribute the software’s source code.

3.Rights Granted by a Proprietary Software License:

oWhen a business acquires a proprietary software license, it gains the following rights:

Right to Use: The business can use the software for its intended purpose.

Limited Access: Users can interact with the software’s user interface but cannot access or modify the underlying code.

Restrictions: The license may impose restrictions on copying, distribution, and reverse engineering.

Enforcement: Violating the license terms can result in legal action by the software vendor.

4.Comparison to Open Source Software:

oProprietary software differs from open source software, where the source code is freely accessible, modifiable, and distributable.

oExamples of proprietary software include Microsoft Windows, Adobe Photoshop, and commercial applications.

References

1.Montague Law: Proprietary Software License Explained for 2023

2.UpCounsel: Proprietary Software License: Everything You Need to Know

3.Wikipedia: Software License

4.TheCyberGarden: Software Licensing - The Proprietary Model and the Open Source Model

5.Toppr: What is Proprietary Software - Definition, Advantages, Disadvantages