Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Futurist IP ("we," "our," or "us"). We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website, mobile application, and services (collectively, the "Service").

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access the Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personally identifiable information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Register for an account
• Create or update your profile
• Upload patent portfolios for analysis
• Use our AI-powered features
• Contact us for support

This information may include:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number)
• Company name and professional information
• Patent numbers and portfolio data
• Payment and billing information
• Analysis preferences and settings

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Service Provision

• Provide, operate, and maintain our Service
• Generate personalized patent portfolio analysis
• Perform inventor tracking and disambiguation using AI technology
• Match inventors with employment history and LinkedIn profiles
• Create comprehensive due diligence reports

3.2 Communication

• Send you service-related notifications
• Respond to your inquiries and support requests
• Send you marketing communications (with your consent)
• Provide updates about new features and services

4. AI and Machine Learning

4.1 AI Processing

We use artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to:

• Analyze patent and inventor information
• Generate personalized risk assessments and recommendations
• Perform inventor disambiguation and verification
• Provide employment tracking insights and guidance
• Improve our Service through automated content analysis
• Detect and prevent fraudulent or inappropriate content

4.2 AI Service Integration

Our platform integrates with third-party AI services to provide enhanced functionality. Your data may be processed by these services as part of delivering our core features. AI processing is essential to our Service and cannot be opted out of.

4.3 AI-Generated Content

Our AI systems generate content such as risk assessments, inventor profiles, employment verification reports, and due diligence insights. This content is automatically generated and should be reviewed for accuracy and appropriateness before use.

4.4 AI Data Usage

Aggregated and anonymized data from our Service may be used to train and improve our AI models. This helps us provide better recommendations and features to all users.

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties without your consent, except in the following circumstances:

5.1 Service Providers

We may share your information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as hosting, analytics, payment processing, and customer support.

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid legal process.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Access controls and authentication
• Regular security assessments
• Employee training on data protection

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

7.1 Types of Cookies

We use the following types of cookies and similar technologies:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the Service to function properly, including authentication and security
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with our Service to improve functionality
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings to enhance your experience
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements and measure campaign effectiveness

7.2 Third-Party Cookies

We may allow third-party service providers to place cookies on your device to provide analytics, advertising, and other services. These third parties have their own privacy policies.

7.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our Service. Essential cookies cannot be disabled without affecting core functionality.

8. Data Retention

8.1 Retention Periods

We retain different types of data for varying periods:

• Account Information: Retained while your account is active and for 30 days after deletion
• Patent and Analysis Data: Retained while your account is active and deleted upon account termination
• Usage Analytics: Anonymized data may be retained indefinitely for service improvement
• Communication Records: Support communications retained for 2 years
• Legal Requirements: Some data may be retained longer as required by applicable law

8.2 Data Deletion

When data is no longer needed for its original purpose, we securely delete it using industry-standard methods. You may request deletion of your data by contacting us or deleting your account.

9. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

9.1 Lawful Basis

For users in the European Economic Area, we process personal data based on:

• Contract Performance: Processing necessary to provide our Service
• Consent: Where you have given explicit consent (e.g., marketing communications)
• Legitimate Interest: For service improvement and fraud prevention
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

9.2 Consent Withdrawal

Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw consent at any time. This will not affect the lawfulness of processing before consent was withdrawn.

10. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Update or correct your information
• Delete your account and associated data
• Export your data in a portable format
• Opt-out of marketing communications

11. Canadian Privacy Compliance (PIPEDA)

11.1 PIPEDA Compliance

We comply with Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy laws. This includes collecting personal information only for legitimate purposes, obtaining appropriate consent, and providing individuals with access to their personal information.

11.2 Privacy Rights under Canadian Law

Under Canadian privacy law, you have the right to:

• Know what personal information we collect and how it's used
• Access your personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Withdraw consent for certain processing activities
• File complaints with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

12. Marketing Communications (CASL Compliance)

12.1 Email Marketing Consent

We comply with Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL). We will only send you marketing communications if you have provided explicit consent or if we have an existing business relationship with you.

12.2 Unsubscribe Options

All marketing emails include an easy unsubscribe mechanism. You can also manage your communication preferences in your account settings or by contacting us directly.

12.3 Marketing Preferences

You can choose to receive different types of communications including portfolio alerts, newsletter updates, and promotional offers. These preferences can be updated at any time.

13. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our Service or sending you an email notification.

14. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: contact@futuristip.com

Data Protection Officer

For GDPR-related inquiries, you may contact our Data Protection Officer at: contact@futuristip.com