Privacy Policy

Effective Date: October 2025

1. Introduction
   Patent Startup LLC (“we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, www.PatentStartup.com (“Site”). By using this Site, you agree to the terms of this Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our Site.
2. Information We Collect
   We collect information in the following ways:
   
   A. Information You Provide Directly
   – Name, email address, phone number, or other contact details submitted through our contact form or email.
   – Information related to your invention or patent inquiry (only if you voluntarily provide it).
   
   B. Information Collected Automatically
   When you visit our Site, certain data may be collected automatically, including:
   – IP address, browser type, operating system, and referring URLs.
   – Cookies or tracking pixels to enhance website performance and analytics (non-personal).
   
   We do not intentionally collect sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, financial account data, or government IDs through our Site.
3. How We Use Your Information
   We use collected information to:
   – Respond to inquiries or consultation requests.
   – Communicate about services you requested.
   – Improve website functionality and user experience.
   – Comply with legal obligations and maintain business records.
   
   We do not sell, rent, or lease your personal information to third parties.
4. Sharing and Disclosure
   We may share limited information:
   – With service providers who help us operate the Site (e.g., web hosting, analytics, email delivery).
   – When required by law or legal process (e.g., subpoenas, government requests).
   – If necessary to protect our rights, clients, or the integrity of our business.
   
   These parties are obligated to maintain confidentiality and use your information only for authorized purposes.
5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
   We use cookies to analyze traffic and understand user behavior. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit certain features of the Site.
6. Data Retention
   We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy or as required by law. If you become a client, retention will follow the terms of your retainer agreement and applicable USPTO and professional recordkeeping requirements.
7. Your Rights (California Residents)
   Under the CCPA and CPRA, California residents have the right to:
   – Request disclosure of personal information we collect, use, or share.
   – Request deletion of personal data, subject to legal and business exceptions.
   – Opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information (we do not sell your data).
   – Not be discriminated against for exercising privacy rights.
   
   To exercise these rights, please contact us at admin@Patent Startup.com with “Privacy Request” in the subject line. We may verify your identity before processing your request.
8. Data Security
   We use commercially reasonable safeguards (encryption, secure hosting, access controls) to protect your information. However, no method of online transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
9. External Links
   Our Site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any linked websites you visit.
10. Children’s Privacy
    Our services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we learn that a child has provided information, we will delete it promptly.
11. Updates to This Policy
    We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in law or our practices. The updated version will include a revised “Effective Date.” Your continued use of the Site constitutes acceptance of any changes.