What is the definition of a proprietary name?

A proprietary name refers to a trademarked name that is given to a pharmaceutical product by its manufacturer. This name is often known as the brand name and is distinct from the generic name, which is the common name used to identify the drug's active ingredient. Proprietary names serve several purposes: they establish brand identity, help in marketing the product, and provide legal protection against unauthorized use by other companies. The proprietary name is usually highlighted on packaging and promotional materials to ensure that consumers and healthcare providers can easily recognize the product among others in the marketplace. This recognition helps in building brand loyalty and trust with consumers, as well as ensuring consistency in the drug's presentation and formulation.

Other options do not capture the essence of what a proprietary name signifies in the pharmaceutical context. For instance, scientific terms describe components or classifications of substances rather than branding. Common names refer to generic designations that are not trademarked. Government-assigned identifiers pertain to systems for classifying and regulating drugs rather than the branding aspect that proprietary names provide.