Final answer:
The statement is true; trade secrets are a form of intellectual property that must not be disclosed publicly to remain protected, unlike patents and trademarks which are publicly registered. A trade secret's confidentiality is essential to its value, and there are laws and international treaties to protect such intellectual property.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, unlike patents and trademarks, the law requires that intellectual property consisting of trade secrets not be publicly disclosed. This is because the value of a trade secret lies in its confidentiality. As an example, the formula for Coca-Cola is a well-known trade secret that is not protected by patent or copyright law, but remains a competitive advantage because it is closely guarded and not revealed to the public. There are specific laws designed to protect trade secrets, and unauthorized use of such information by individuals or companies constitutes a violation of the trade secret protection.
A trade secret can include a formula, practice, process, design, instrument, pattern, or compilation of information which is not generally known or reasonably ascertainable, by which a business can obtain an economic advantage over competitors or customers. Various countries have laws in place to protect intellectual property including trade secrets, and international treaties try to harmonize these laws through organizations such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).