Introduction
Patentsmith LLC (“Patentsmith”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you provide when using our website and services.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information obtained through the Patentsmith website and related services.
By using the website, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
1. Scope of This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through:
- The Patentsmith website
- Services offered through the website
- Communications between users and Patentsmith
This policy does not apply to third-party websites or services that may be linked from our website.
2. Information We Collect
The types of information we collect depend on how you interact with the website.
Personal Information You Provide
You may provide personal information when you:
- Create an account
- Submit invention disclosures
- Purchase services
- Communicate with Patentsmith
- Upload documents or other materials
This information may include:
- Name
- Email address
- Mailing address
- Telephone number
- Account login credentials
- Payment information
- Invention disclosures and related materials
- Other information you voluntarily provide
Account Information
If you create an account, we may collect:
- Username
- Password
- Account activity information
- Service purchase history
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials.
Payment Information
Payments are processed through third-party payment processors. Patentsmith does not store full credit card numbers or payment credentials. Payment processors may collect and process financial information in accordance with their own privacy policies.
Automatically Collected Information
When you use the website, certain information may be collected automatically, including:
- IP address
- Browser type
- Operating system
- Referring website
- Pages viewed
- Usage data
- Device identifiers
This information may be collected through cookies or similar technologies.
4. How We Use Information
We may use collected information to:
- Provide requested services
- Prepare patent-related documents
- Communicate with users
- Process payments
- Operate and maintain the website
- Improve the platform and services
- Analyze website usage
- Respond to inquiries and support requests
- Send service-related communications
- Send marketing communications where permitted by law
5. Confidential Invention Disclosures
Patentsmith understands that users may submit highly confidential invention disclosures. Information submitted for the purpose of patent services is treated as confidential and is used solely for providing the requested services.
Access to such information may be limited to:
- Employees of Patentsmith
- Registered patent practitioners associated with Patentsmith
- Contractors or service providers necessary to deliver services
Communications submitted through the website may not be protected by attorney-client privilege unless a formal engagement agreement establishing representation has been executed.
7. Data Retention
Patentsmith retains personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary to:
- Provide services
- Comply with legal obligations
- Resolve disputes
- Enforce agreements
We may retain certain information for longer periods where required by law or professional obligations.
8. Data Security
Patentsmith takes reasonable steps to protect information collected through the website. Security measures may include:
- Encryption technologies such as SSL
- Access controls
- Administrative safeguards
Despite these efforts, no method of transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
9. International Users
The website is operated from the United States. If you access the website from outside the United States, you understand that your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States, where privacy laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction.
10. Your Choices and Rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights regarding your personal information. These may include the right to:
- Request access to personal information
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of personal information where permitted by law
Requests may be submitted using the contact information provided below.
11. Marketing Communications
We may send service-related or marketing communications.
You may opt out of marketing communications by following the unsubscribe instructions in those communications. Certain service-related messages may still be sent where necessary for providing services.
12. Children’s Information
The website is not intended for use by children under the age of 13.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
13. Changes to This Privacy Policy
Patentsmith may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
Updated policies will be posted on the website with a revised effective date. Your continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
14. Contact Information
If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy, you may contact:
Patentsmith LLC
[Address]
[Email Address]
[Website]