proprietary breeding

Proprietary breeding refers to the practice where companies or individuals develop and selectively reproduce plants, animals, or strains with specific desirable traits, then hold exclusive rights to these bred varieties. This process involves carefully controlled breeding techniques to enhance qualities like yield, flavor, or disease resistance. The resulting proprietary breeds are often protected through patents or trade secrets, meaning others cannot legally reproduce or use them without permission. This approach allows breeders to commercialize their innovations and potentially gain a competitive advantage in the market.