Privacy Policy

A LEGAL DISCLAIMER

1. Data Collection for Custom Projects

Because you handle custom molds and technical designs, you aren't just collecting emails. You are often receiving:

Proprietary CAD files or technical drawings.
Physical shipping addresses for industrial parts.
Business Tax/VAT details for invoicing.
Make sure your policy explains how this technical data is stored and who has access to it.

2. Intellectual Property (IP) & Confidentiality

While a Privacy Policy is about "Personal Data," for a site like Metarch, it’s often paired with a Terms of Service that addresses:

Non-Disclosure: Assuring clients that their mold designs won't be shared with competitors.
Ownership: Who owns the digital "scans" or "renders" created during the prototyping phase.

3. Third-Party Sharing

If you use third-party logistics (like DHL or FedEx) to ship those heavy wooden or metal molds, or if you use cloud storage (like Google Drive or Dropbox) to receive large files, your policy must disclose that this data is shared with those specific service providers.

4. Cookies and Analytics

Even if you don't sell products directly on the site, if you use tools like Google Analytics to see which industry (Automotive vs. Food Packaging) is visiting your site most, you must disclose the use of Cookies.

PRIVACY POLICY - THE BASICS

1. Types of Information Collected

Personal Data: Names, email addresses, and phone numbers via your contact forms.
Technical Data: IP addresses and browser types (via cookies).
Project Data: The most sensitive part—CAD files, 3D models, and technical specifications for the molds (like the automotive and wooden molds we discussed).

2. Purpose of Data Processing

To provide accurate cost estimates and quotes.
To manufacture custom thermoforming tools and components.
To maintain communication during the engineering lifecycle.

3. Data Retention & Deletion

How long do you keep a client’s mold design on your servers?
Do you delete technical files after the physical mold is shipped, or keep them for future re-orders?

4. Security Mechanisms

Encryption: Using SSL/HTTPS for the website.
Access Control: Limiting who in the workshop or engineering office can see client files.
Physical Security: Protecting the physical wooden and metal molds stored at your facility.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN THE PRIVACY POLICY

1. Manner of Collection

For a business like METARCH, data isn't just collected via "Sign Up" buttons. You likely collect data through:

Direct Uploads: Clients sending CAD files or 3D designs for mold making.
In-Person/Physical: Data gathered during site visits or when clients drop off physical parts for reverse engineering.
Automated Tools: Website cookies that track which service pages (e.g., "Automotive Interiors" vs. "Wooden Molds") are getting the most interest.

2. Third-Party Sharing Practices

In your industry, sharing is often necessary for production. Your policy should clarify if you share data with:

Material Suppliers: Sharing specs to order the right plastic or wood.
Logistics Partners: Sharing addresses for the delivery of heavy industrial molds.
Cloud Services: Using secure servers to store large engineering files.

3. Exercising User Rights

Your visitors need a clear path to action. You should provide a dedicated email (e.g., privacy@metarch.org) where they can:

Request a copy of the data you hold on them.
Request the permanent deletion of their proprietary designs if a project is canceled.

4. Minors' Data

Since METARCH is a specialized industrial engineering firm, it is highly unlikely you would intentionally collect data from minors. However, including a standard clause stating that your services are intended for individuals 18 and older (or the legal age of majority in your region) is a standard "safety" practice for your jurisdiction.