Proprietary information is commonly equated to which of the following?

Proprietary information is often equated with trade secrets because both terms pertain to information that is not generally known or accessible to the public and thus carries economic value due to its confidentiality. Trade secrets encompass a wide range of confidential business information, including formulas, practices, processes, or know-how, which provide a competitive advantage. Unlike patents, trade secrets are not registered or disclosed to the public, allowing companies to maintain their competitive edge as long as the information is kept confidential.

In contrast, patents require public disclosure in exchange for exclusive rights to an invention for a certain period. Public domain information, by definition, is not proprietary as it is available for anyone to use without restrictions, and shared company data often refers to information that is not considered proprietary or confidential and may be shared internally or externally for collaborative purposes. Thus, the alignment of proprietary information with trade secrets is clear, as both emphasize the value and importance of confidentiality in business operations.