Terms of Service & Privacy Policy
Last updated: October 25, 2025
Table of Contents
Terms of Service
These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of patent process support services provided by Khalid Shamim Patents (ABN: 56 863 062 847) ("we", "us", "our"). By engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
Acceptance of Terms
By accessing our website or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services.
Scope of Services
Non-Attorney Services
Khalid Shamim Patents provides non-attorney patent process support services only. We do not provide legal advice, and our services do not constitute legal representation. Our services include but are not limited to:
- Initial invention intake and client briefing
- Prior art and patentability checks (informational only)
- Non-attorney drafting of invention specifications and claims
- Filing preparation support
- Document management and docketing
- Renewal and maintenance fee processing coordination
- Foreign filing coordination support
- Office action and examiner's report logistics
- Portfolio audit and cost-benefit review
- Inventor training and IP education
Professional Legal Advice
For legal advice regarding patents, patent law, or intellectual property matters, you must consult with a registered patent attorney or intellectual property lawyer. We strongly recommend engaging qualified legal counsel for all substantive patent matters.
Collaboration with Attorneys
Our services are designed to complement and support the work of patent attorneys. We can coordinate with your chosen patent attorney to facilitate efficient patent process management.
Fees and Payment
Service Fees
Service fees are quoted exclusive of GST unless otherwise stated. Current fees are published on our website and may be updated from time to time. We will notify you of applicable fees before commencing any work.
Payment Terms
- Hourly services: Invoiced monthly or upon completion
- Fixed-price services: 50% deposit required, balance due upon completion
- Annual retainers: Payable annually in advance
- Half-day workshops: Full payment required at time of booking
Late Payment
Invoices are due within 14 days of issue. Late payments may incur interest charges at a rate of 1.5% per month or the maximum rate permitted by law, whichever is lower.
Refunds
Refunds for services already commenced will be calculated pro-rata based on work completed. Deposits for services not yet commenced may be refunded minus a 10% administrative fee. No refunds are available for completed services.
Limitation of Liability
No Warranty
Our services are provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. We make no guarantees regarding patent approval, patentability, or the outcome of any patent application or process.
Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, our total liability for any claim arising from our services shall not exceed the fees paid for the specific service giving rise to the claim. We are not liable for any indirect, consequential, special, or punitive damages.
Australian Consumer Law
Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any consumer rights or remedies under the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010) or other applicable laws that cannot be excluded, restricted, or modified by agreement.
Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of our services or your breach of these Terms.
Privacy Policy
Khalid Shamim Patents is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.
Compliance
We comply with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). We also respect the privacy rights of individuals in other jurisdictions, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
Information We Collect
Personal Information
We may collect the following types of personal information:
- Name, email address, phone number, and postal address
- Business information (company name, ABN, industry)
- Invention and patent-related information
- Payment and billing information
- Communication preferences and correspondence history
Technical Information
We automatically collect certain technical information when you visit our website:
- IP address and browser type
- Device information and operating system
- Pages viewed and time spent on our website
- Referring website and exit pages
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
How We Collect Information
- Directly from you when you submit forms or contact us
- Automatically through cookies and analytics tools
- From third parties (with your consent), such as patent attorneys you've authorized us to work with
How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
- Service Delivery: To provide patent process support services
- Communication: To respond to inquiries and provide updates
- Billing: To process payments and maintain financial records
- Improvement: To improve our services and website functionality
- Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights
- Marketing: To send relevant information about our services (with your consent)
Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
For users in the European Economic Area, our legal basis for processing your data includes:
- Contractual necessity (to provide services you've requested)
- Legitimate interests (to improve our services)
- Legal obligations (to comply with applicable laws)
- Consent (for marketing communications)
Data Protection and Security
Security Measures
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:
- Secure servers and encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS)
- Access controls and authentication
- Regular security assessments
- Employee training on data protection
Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Patent-related documents may be retained for up to 7 years after the conclusion of services.
International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and stored on servers located outside of Australia. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
Your Privacy Rights
Australian Privacy Rights
Under the Australian Privacy Act, you have the right to:
- Access your personal information
- Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
- Request deletion of your information (subject to legal requirements)
- Opt-out of marketing communications
- Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
GDPR Rights (for EEA Residents)
If you are in the European Economic Area, you also have the right to:
- Data portability (receive your data in a structured format)
- Object to processing of your data
- Restrict processing of your data
- Withdraw consent at any time
- Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority
California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
California residents have the right to:
- Know what personal information is collected
- Request deletion of personal information
- Opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
- Non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights
Exercising Your Rights
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the Contact Information section below. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and our Privacy Policy are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. Any disputes arising from these Terms or our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales.
Changes to These Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms and our Privacy Policy at any time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated Terms on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about these Terms, our Privacy Policy, or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:
Khalid Shamim Patents
ABN: 56 863 062 847
Email: info@khalidshamimpatents.com.au
Phone: 1800 KHALID (542543)
Location: Mount Druitt NSW 2770