A trade secret is a formula, practice, process, design, instrument, pattern, or compilation of information used by a business to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not know or use the trade secret. It is also referred to in some jurisdictions as confidential information, and in others is a subset or example of confidential information. Law does not protect trade secrets in the same manner as trademarks or patents. One of the most significant differences is that a trade secret is protected without disclosure of the secret.