1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy governs the collection, use, storage, disclosure, and protection of personal data in connection with access to and use of the Patents Ledger website ("Website"). This Policy applies solely to personal data submitted, collected, or otherwise processed through the Website and its associated online communication channels.
Patents Ledger is an independent publication focused on intellectual property, patent transactions, licensing agreements, mergers and acquisitions, IP litigation, and developments within the global innovation economy. The Website serves as an informational platform through which visitors may access articles, subscribe to updates, contact us, submit inquiries, provide feedback, or express interest in contributing content.
All personal data shared through the Website is provided voluntarily and in good faith, with the expectation that such data will be used only for the specific and legitimate purposes for which it is submitted. The Website is not intended to function as a platform for unrelated commercial data collection.
This Privacy Policy is limited to website-based interactions. Information exchanged outside the Website, including communications through independent business arrangements, professional collaborations, or other offline interactions, may be governed by separate terms, agreements, or applicable laws.
This Privacy Policy is intended to comply with applicable privacy and data protection laws, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, the Information Technology Act, 2000, and related legal requirements.
By accessing or using Patents Ledger, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
2. Definitions
For the purposes of this Privacy Policy, "Personal Data" means any information relating to an individual who is identifiable by or in relation to such information.
"Data Principal" refers to the individual to whom the personal data relates.
"Data Fiduciary" refers to Patents Ledger, which determines the purpose and means of processing personal data collected through the Website.
"Processing" includes the collection, recording, storage, organization, use, disclosure, sharing, transmission, modification, deletion, or any other operation performed on personal data.
3. Categories of Personal Data Collected
Patents Ledger collects only such personal data as is reasonably necessary for the operation of the Website and its related services. Personal data may include names, email addresses, contact details, professional information, correspondence, inquiry details, and other information voluntarily submitted through contact forms, newsletter subscriptions, guest contribution inquiries, or direct communications.
Limited technical information may also be collected automatically when users visit the Website. This may include IP addresses, browser type, operating system, device information, referral sources, pages visited, and general website usage information. Such information is collected primarily for security, analytics, and website performance purposes.
Patents Ledger does not intentionally seek sensitive personal data through the Website unless such information is voluntarily provided by a user or required by law.
4. Purpose and Lawful Basis of Processing
Personal data collected through the Website is processed only for lawful, legitimate, and clearly defined purposes. These purposes include responding to inquiries, managing communications, providing requested information, administering newsletter subscriptions, evaluating guest contribution requests, improving website functionality, monitoring website security, preventing misuse of the Website, and complying with applicable legal obligations.
Processing is carried out on the basis of user consent, legitimate interests related to the operation of the Website, compliance with legal obligations, or any other lawful basis recognized under applicable law. Where processing is based on consent, such consent may be withdrawn at any time, subject to applicable legal and operational requirements.
5. Newsletter and Communications
Users who voluntarily subscribe to newsletters, updates, or other communications may receive emails relating to new articles, publications, announcements, or developments relevant to the subject matter covered by Patents Ledger.
Personal data collected for communication purposes will be used solely for maintaining such communications and will not be sold, rented, or used for unrelated commercial purposes. Users may unsubscribe from communications at any time through the unsubscribe mechanism provided in the communication or by contacting Patents Ledger directly.
6. Cookies and Analytics
Patents Ledger may use cookies, analytics tools, and similar technologies to improve website functionality, understand visitor behavior, monitor traffic patterns, and enhance user experience. These technologies help maintain website performance and provide insights into how visitors interact with content.
Users may control or disable cookies through their browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality and performance of certain features of the Website.
7. Disclosure and Sharing of Personal Data
Patents Ledger does not sell, rent, trade, or commercially exploit personal data.
Personal data may be disclosed only where reasonably necessary for the operation of the Website, compliance with legal obligations, protection of legal rights, or support of legitimate business functions. Such disclosures may include website hosting providers, analytics providers, email communication service providers, technical support providers, professional advisors, regulatory authorities, law enforcement agencies, or other entities where disclosure is required by law.
Any disclosure of personal data is limited to the extent reasonably necessary for the relevant purpose.
8. Cross-Border Data Transfers
Certain technology providers, hosting services, analytics platforms, or communication services used by Patents Ledger may process personal data on servers located outside the user's country of residence. Where such cross-border transfers occur, reasonable steps will be taken to ensure that personal data receives an appropriate level of protection consistent with applicable legal requirements.
9. Data Retention
Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or as otherwise required by law.
Information submitted through contact forms, email inquiries, newsletter subscriptions, or contribution requests may be retained for reasonable periods to facilitate ongoing communications, maintain records, improve services, and comply with legal obligations. Technical and analytics data may be retained for shorter periods or anonymized where appropriate.
When personal data is no longer required for its intended purpose, reasonable efforts will be made to securely delete, anonymize, or otherwise dispose of such information.
10. Data Security Measures
Patents Ledger implements reasonable technical and organizational measures designed to protect personal data against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, loss, misuse, or destruction. These measures may include secure hosting infrastructure, access controls, authentication procedures, software updates, monitoring systems, and other safeguards appropriate to the nature of the information processed.
While reasonable precautions are taken to protect personal data, no method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Accordingly, Patents Ledger cannot guarantee absolute security of information transmitted through the internet.
11. Rights of Data Principals
Subject to applicable law, Data Principals may have the right to access their personal data, request correction of inaccurate information, request deletion of personal data, withdraw consent where processing is based on consent, and seek redressal of grievances relating to the processing of personal data.
Requests relating to personal data may be submitted through the contact information provided in this Privacy Policy. Patents Ledger will make reasonable efforts to respond to such requests in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
12. Children's Privacy
The Website is intended for a general audience and is not directed toward individuals under eighteen years of age. Patents Ledger does not knowingly collect personal data from children through the Website. If it becomes aware that personal data belonging to a child has been collected inadvertently, reasonable steps will be taken to delete such information.
13. Third-Party Websites
The Website may contain links to third-party websites, publications, resources, or services. Such external websites operate independently and are not controlled by Patents Ledger. Accordingly, Patents Ledger is not responsible for the privacy practices, security measures, or content of third-party websites.
Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any external websites they visit.
14. Changes to this Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy may be revised periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements, operational practices, technological developments, or Website functionality. Updated versions will be published on this page together with the revised effective date.
Continued use of the Website following publication of any revised Privacy Policy constitutes acknowledgment of the updated terms.
15. Contact and Grievance Redressal
For questions, concerns, requests, or grievances relating to this Privacy Policy or the processing of personal data, users may contact Patents Ledger using the contact information provided on the Website.
Patents Ledger will make reasonable efforts to address privacy-related inquiries and complaints in a timely and appropriate manner.