ClaimMaster Software LLC (“ClaimMaster”) makes software tools to help you streamline patent application drafting and patent proofreading. In some circumstances, the content you generate using our software might contain personal information about you or others. It is important to us that this information is protected according to all applicable laws including the General Data Protection Directive from the European Union, GDPR.
What is GDPR?
GDPR is a single regulation that unifies data protection requirements for all EU member states. It came into effect on May 25, 2018. GDPR has a several principles and requirements for the fair processing and protection of personal information. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that personal information is processed lawfully, with the knowledge or consent of the individuals involved, and protected against unauthorized use or access.What is personal information?
Under GDPR, personal information is any information related to an identified or identifiable data subject.What are Yours and ClaimMaster’s responsibilities under GDPR?
When personal information is processed, there are two roles that need to be considered.- A Data Controller is the group or individual that decides what information will be collected and how it will be processed.
- A Data Processor is the group or individual that actually processes the information.
As a Word add-in, ClaimMaster executes locally on your computer within Microsoft Word and does not collect/transmit patent proofreading documents, drafting content, or personal information from your computer, so it does not act as the Data Processor of your personal information. Therefore, it is your responsibility to be GDPR compliant.
In addition, ClaimMaster uses Softwarekey’s Solo Server as the central licensing database and license management system for its customers. Therefore, when you purchase a license and enter your personal/company information in the Softwarekey’s license portal, SoftwareKey is a Data Processor and you are a Data Controller. ClaimMaster (using Softwarekey’s Solo Server system) may only process personal information based on your direction. Even though Softwarekey stores information on your behalf, you are still the Data Controller. ClaimMaster and Softwarekey do not use your content for our own purposes without your consent.
As Data Controller, you are accountable under GDPR to assure that the principles and requirements mentioned above are met regardless of where the data is being stored or processed. This includes verifying that the principles and requirements of GDPR have been met by Softwarekey and ClaimMaster.
What do I need to do?
We encourage you to review the personal information you are generating with our software or storing on the Softwarekey’s license portal, how you are using the information including with our services, and where the people reside whose personal information may be revealed in your works to determine if you are required to be GDPR compliant.&
What about registration information?
We collect personal information in several circumstances to operate our business, such as names/emails entered on our website during trial registration. The protection of this information is GDPR compliant as described in our ClaimMaster Privacy Policy. In addition, Softwarekey’s Privacy Policy is available here.