Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 2025

1. Introduction

PatentSignal ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

  • Account Information: Email address, name (if provided), password
  • Patent Data: Patent numbers you analyze, search queries
  • Payment Information: Processed securely through third-party payment processors (we do not store full credit card numbers)
  • Communication: Messages you send to support or feedback

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically

  • Usage Data: Features used, analysis history, time spent on platform
  • Device Information: IP address, browser type, device type, operating system
  • Cookies and Tracking: We use cookies to maintain your session and improve Service functionality

2.3 Public Patent Data

PatentSignal analyzes publicly available USPTO data. This data is already public and does not constitute your personal information.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide and improve the Service
  • Process your subscriptions and payments
  • Send you service-related communications
  • Respond to your inquiries and support requests
  • Analyze usage patterns to improve the Service
  • Prevent fraud and ensure security

We do NOT:

  • Train our AI models on your specific client data or search queries
  • Share or sell your activity data to third parties
  • Use your patent analyses for advertising purposes

4. Data Privacy and Confidentiality

4.1 Your Searches Are Private

We understand that patent professionals value confidentiality. Your search queries and analyses are private and are not shared with third parties.

4.2 AI Model Training

CRITICAL: We do NOT train our AI models on your specific client data or search queries. Our AI models are trained on publicly available USPTO data only.

4.3 Attorney-Client Confidentiality

While PatentSignal is not a law firm and does not provide legal services, we respect the confidentiality expectations of legal professionals. We do not access, review, or use your specific patent analyses for any purpose other than providing the Service to you.

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

  • Service Providers: Third-party vendors who help us operate the Service (hosting, payment processing, analytics) - these vendors are contractually obligated to protect your data
  • Legal Requirements: If required by law, court order, or government regulation
  • Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with notice to users)
  • With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share information

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

  • Encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
  • Encryption at rest for sensitive data
  • Secure authentication (Firebase Auth)
  • Regular security audits and updates
  • Access controls and employee training

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide the Service and fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy:

  • Account Data: Retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period after closure
  • Analysis Data: Retained according to your subscription tier (FREE: limited retention, PRO/TEAM: longer retention)
  • Legal Requirements: We may retain data longer if required by law

8. Your Rights and Choices

8.1 Access and Correction

You can access and update your account information through your account settings.

8.2 Data Deletion

You can request deletion of your account and data by contacting support. We will delete your data within 30 days, subject to legal retention requirements.

8.3 Cookies and Tracking

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit Service functionality.

8.4 Marketing Communications

You can opt out of marketing emails by clicking the unsubscribe link in any marketing email or updating your preferences in account settings.

8.5 California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect and the right to request deletion.

8.6 European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the right to data portability and the right to object to processing.

9. Children's Privacy

PatentSignal is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes via email or through the Service. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us at:

PatentSignal
Email: privacy@patentsignal.com
[Address]