Marketing Research and Insight Glossary

Definitions, common uses and explanations of 1,500+ key market research terms and phrases.

What is Proprietary technique?

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Proprietary technique Definition

A research technique which is exclusively owned by the research company or supplier.

A proprietary technique refers to a specialized research method, tool or analytic approach that is developed and owned by a specific company or organization. These techniques are often trademarked or patented and are designed to provide competitive advantage or unique insights.

What are the key aspects of a proprietary technique in marketing research?

  • Owned or trademarked by a specific firm.
  • Not publicly available or standardized.
  • Often developed through research and development investment.
  • Used to differentiate service offerings.
  • May involve custom models, algorithms or software.

Why are proprietary techniques important in market research?

Proprietary techniques are important because they allow research firms to offer distinctive insights or methodologies that are not easily replicated by competitors. This exclusivity can strengthen a firm’s market position and provide clients with novel approaches to solving complex research challenges.

Who relies on proprietary techniques in marketing research?

  • Market research agencies.
  • Analytics and insights firms.
  • Brand strategy consultants.
  • Client-side research teams seeking differentiation.
  • Innovation and product development units.

How do market researchers use proprietary techniques?

Market researchers use proprietary techniques to address specific client needs with customized tools or models that offer unique perspectives or deeper analytical power. These techniques might include specialized segmentation frameworks, predictive analytics algorithms or behavioral tracking systems that are exclusive to a given firm. Researchers deploy them to create added value, demonstrate innovation and differentiate their capabilities in competitive proposal processes. Proprietary approaches are especially common in areas like brand equity measurement, emotion tracking or conjoint analysis adaptations.