Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to PatentLens.ai. PatentLens LLC ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our AI-powered patent search and analysis platform located at www.patentlens.ai (the "Service").

By using our Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this policy, please do not access or use our Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Account Information: When you create an account, we collect your name, email address, company name, and password.
• Payment Information: We collect billing information including credit card details, billing address, and payment history. Payment processing is handled securely by our payment processor, Stripe.
• Uploaded Documents: Any documents, patent information, or proprietary data you upload for analysis.
• Search Queries and Analysis Data: Your patent searches, FTO analyses, and other interactions with our AI-powered tools.
• Communications: Information you provide when you contact us for support or other inquiries.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Usage Data: We collect information about how you interact with our Service, including pages visited, features used, and time spent on the platform.
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, IP address, and device identifiers.
• Analytics Data: We use analytics tools to understand user behavior and improve our Service.
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to maintain your session and remember your preferences.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Service Provision: To provide, maintain, and improve our patent search and analysis services.
• Account Management: To create and manage your account, including authentication and authorization.
• Payment Processing: To process your subscription payments and maintain billing records.
• AI Training and Improvement: We may use aggregated and anonymized user data to train and improve our AI models and algorithms.
• Communication: To send you service updates, technical notices, security alerts, and support messages.
• Marketing: To send you marketing emails and newsletters about new features, products, or services (with your consent where required).
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights and the rights of others.
• Analytics: To analyze usage patterns and improve user experience.

4. Data Storage and Retention

• Storage Location: Your data is stored on Google Cloud servers located in the western United States.
• Retention Period: We retain your account data and search history for as long as your account is active. Search data and analysis results are retained for over 90 days to allow you to resume searches and access historical analyses.
• Post-Termination: After account termination, we may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers including:
  • Stripe (payment processing)
  • Supabase (database and authentication services)
  • Google Cloud (infrastructure and hosting)
  • Analytics providers
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority.
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.
• Protection of Rights: To protect the rights, property, or safety of PatentLens LLC, our users, or others.
• Aggregated Data: We may share aggregated, anonymized data that cannot identify you personally.

6. Your Privacy Rights

6.2 GDPR Rights (European Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights under GDPR:

• Legal Basis: We process your data based on contract performance, legitimate interests, legal obligations, or your consent.
• Right to Restrict: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances.
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests.
• Automated Decision-Making: Right not to be subject to decisions based solely on automated processing.
• Complaint: Right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority.

6.3 CCPA Rights (California Residents)

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to Know: Information about categories and specific pieces of personal information collected.
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal information, subject to certain exceptions.
• Right to Opt-Out: We do not sell personal information, but you can opt-out of certain sharing.
• Non-Discrimination: Right not to receive discriminatory treatment for exercising privacy rights.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@patentlens.ai.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Employee training on data protection
• Secure development practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence, particularly the United States where our servers are located. These countries may have different data protection laws than your jurisdiction.

For transfers from the EEA, we rely on appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses or other legally recognized mechanisms.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

10. Marketing Communications

We may send you marketing emails and newsletters about our products, services, and features. You can opt-out of these communications at any time by:

• Clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any marketing email
• Updating your communication preferences in your account settings
• Contacting us at privacy@patentlens.ai

Please note that even if you opt-out of marketing communications, we may still send you transactional emails related to your account and use of our Service.

11. Third-Party Links

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
• Updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
• Sending you an email notification (for material changes)

Your continued use of our Service after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Information

14. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)