Privacy Policy

01Information we collect

Gather the Spark collects information that you provide directly, information that is generated when you use the platform, and limited technical information needed to operate the service. The categories below describe what we collect and why.

02Account information

When you create an account, we collect information such as your name, email address, password (stored in hashed form), and the role you select (for example, inventor, service provider, or investor).

03Invention information

When you create projects, save ideas, or share details inside Gather the Spark, we collect the content you submit so the platform can store and display it back to you and to people you invite.

Invention details are treated as private within the platform. Invention names and contents are not exposed in public-facing activity feeds or indexes. You decide what to share, with whom, and when.

04AI-generated content and user submissions

When you use AI-guided tools — for example, idea structuring, visual concepts, or GTS database scans — we process the inputs and the resulting outputs to provide and improve those features. AI-generated content tied to your projects is stored alongside your other invention information and is treated as private to your project unless you choose to share it.

05Payment and billing information

If you purchase a subscription, credits, or other paid services, payment processing is handled by reputable third-party payment processors. We receive limited billing details (such as last four digits, card brand, and billing zip) but do not store your full payment card numbers on our servers.

06Communications

When you message other users on the platform, contact our team, or receive product communications, we collect the content of those messages along with metadata such as timestamps. Messages tied to NDA-supported workflows are handled with the additional care described below.

07Platform usage data

We collect technical and usage information needed to operate, secure, and improve the platform — for example, device and browser information, IP address, log data, feature interactions, and error reports. Usage data is used in aggregate and is not used to expose private invention details.

08How we use information

We use the information we collect to:

• Operate, maintain, and improve the platform and its features.
• Provide AI-guided tools, GTS database scans, and other invention features you request.
• Help you connect with reviewed service providers, collaborators, or — when you choose — investors.
• Process payments, credits, and subscription billing.
• Communicate with you about your account, support, and product changes.
• Detect and prevent abuse, fraud, and security incidents.
• Comply with legal obligations.

09How we share information

Gather the Spark does not sell your invention information or personal data. We share information in a small set of situations:

• With people you choose. When you invite a collaborator, message a service provider, or open an investor conversation, the information you choose to share becomes visible to those participants.
• With trusted service providers we use. Hosting, analytics, payment, email delivery, and security vendors process information on our behalf under contractual confidentiality obligations.
• For legal reasons. When required by law, legal process, or to protect rights, safety, and the integrity of the platform.
• In a business transaction. If Gather the Spark is involved in a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, information may be transferred subject to standard confidentiality and continuity protections.

Some information may be shared when a user chooses to work with service providers, investors, or collaborators. That sharing is opt-in and project-by-project.

10Service providers and third-party tools

We rely on third-party tools to operate the platform — for example, cloud hosting, AI model providers, analytics, payment processing, and email delivery. These vendors are bound by contractual obligations to handle information they receive only as needed to provide their services.

Reviewed service providers listed on Gather the Spark (CAD designers, prototypers, patent attorneys, marketers, manufacturers, and others) are independent from Gather the Spark unless otherwise stated. When you choose to work with one, your interactions and any details you share are governed by your relationship with them.

11NDAs and private invention details

Gather the Spark provides NDA-supported messaging to help you have more private conversations when sensitive invention details are involved. NDAs entered into through the platform may support certain sharing workflows — for example, before a service provider, investor, or collaborator is given access to private project material.

An NDA is not a patent, trademark, copyright registration, or guarantee of ownership, and it does not, on its own, create formal IP protection. See our NDA policy for more.

12Data retention

We retain account, invention, and platform information for as long as your account is active, as needed to provide the platform, and as required to meet legal, accounting, or security obligations. When you delete content or close your account, we remove or anonymize information on a reasonable schedule, subject to backups and legal recordkeeping requirements.

13Security

We use technical and organizational measures designed to protect the information we hold — including encryption in transit, access controls, monitoring, and contractual safeguards with our vendors.

No platform can guarantee absolute security. While we work to protect your information, you should also be thoughtful about what you share publicly, and you are responsible for keeping your account credentials secure.

14User choices

You can review and update your account information from your settings, choose what invention details to share and with whom, manage email and product communication preferences, and request to export or delete your account information subject to applicable law.

For privacy-related requests or questions, contact us through the contact page.

15Children's privacy

Gather the Spark is not intended for children under 13 (or the equivalent minimum age in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under that age. If you believe a child has provided us with information, please contact us so we can take appropriate steps.

16International users

Gather the Spark is operated from the United States, and information we collect may be processed and stored in the United States or other countries where we or our vendors operate. By using the platform, you understand that information may be transferred and processed in jurisdictions that may have different data protection laws than your own.

17Changes to this policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will update the effective date and provide reasonable notice — for example, by posting a notice on the platform or sending an email. Your continued use of the platform after the changes take effect means you accept the updated policy.

18Contact information

Privacy questions can be sent through our contact page. For account-specific questions, please include the email address associated with your Gather the Spark account.