1. Introduction

Blue Ridge IP Solutions LLC and PatentFile, LLC ("we," "our," or "us") are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our patent management platform and related services (the "Service").

This policy complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other applicable privacy laws in the United States.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account information (name, email address, organization name)
• Patent and application data you upload or enter
• Communications with our support team
• Payment and billing information (processed by third-party payment processors)

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device and browser information
• IP address and approximate location
• Usage data and analytics
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

2.3 Information from Third Parties

• Authentication providers (e.g., Google OAuth)
• USPTO and other patent office databases
• Business partners and service providers

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our Service
• Process transactions and send related information
• Send administrative notifications, updates, and security alerts
• Respond to your comments, questions, and support requests
• Monitor and analyze usage patterns and trends
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues and fraud
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Legal Basis for Processing (EEA Users)

Under GDPR, we process your data based on:

• Contract: Processing necessary to perform our contract with you
• Legitimate Interests: Processing necessary for our legitimate business interests
• Consent: Where you have given explicit consent
• Legal Obligation: Processing necessary to comply with the law

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Third parties that perform services on our behalf (hosting, analytics, payment processing)
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• With Your Consent: When you direct us to share your information

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

6. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission, to protect your data during international transfers.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal purposes.

8. Your Rights

8.1 EEA Residents (GDPR)

• Right to access your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Right to withdraw consent
• Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

8.2 California Residents (CCPA)

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know whether personal information is sold or disclosed
• Right to say no to the sale of personal information
• Right to access your personal information
• Right to equal service and price
• Right to delete personal information

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including encryption in transit and at rest, access controls, and regular security assessments. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze usage, and personalize content. You can control cookies through your browser settings. For more information, please see our Cookie Policy.

11. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not directed to children under 16 (or 13 in the United States). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

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