Which term describes information that an organization will keep secret, such as patentable information and business plans?

The term that best describes information an organization intends to keep secret, including patentable information and business plans, is "confidential." This designation implies that the information is privileged and should not be disclosed to unauthorized individuals or entities.

Confidentiality is fundamental in protecting an organization's competitive advantage and intellectual property. By keeping certain information confidential, organizations safeguard against potential theft, misuse, or access by competitors that could harm their market position or innovation strategies.

In contrast, while "sensitive," "private," and "public" may relate to different levels of information classification, they do not specifically capture the legal or strategic implications tied to the term "confidential." Sensitive information may pertain to personal data that requires careful handling, while private information can refer to data individual's desire to keep check, typically relating to personal matters. Public information is available to everyone and does not require any protection. Therefore, "confidential" is the most appropriate term for information that requires secrecy to protect an organization's interests.