Final answer:
The statement is true; patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets are common methods to protect proprietary technology, and they collectively form what is known as intellectual property.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that the use of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets are the most common methods of protecting proprietary technology. These elements make up what is known as intellectual property, which implies ownership over an idea, concept, or image rather than a physical piece of property. While patents generally cover inventions and copyright protects literary and artistic works, confusion sometimes arises in areas such as software development, where it is unclear if patent or copyright should apply. Trade secrets, on the other hand, offer protection for confidential business information not covered by patents or copyrights, like the recipe for Coca-Cola.