Driver security?

In developing a USB driver for a specific hardware/software application, is there a way to keep it "secure" for just the designed stuff so that competitors cannot steal it for other uses?

I am working on a project at work and no one had the answer.

 

In a word Dongle.

Since you are developing a hardware gizmo, add a security code chip to be read by the application software when the thing is plugged into the USB.

Studio T