Privacy Policy
Last updated: 28 September 2025

1) Who we are

We operate the Flip5 website and the Flip5 patent auction (the “Service”). We are based in Australia and may receive visitors from the UK, EU/EEA and elsewhere.

2) What this policy covers

  • Visitors to our website (pages, contact forms, analytics, cookies).

  • Participants in the Flip5 Patent – Live Auction (bidding form and related communications).

3) Personal data we collect

Website

  • Usage data: pages viewed, device/browser information, IP address, approximate location (via your IP), referrer.

  • Contact details you submit via forms (name, email, phone, message).

Auction / Bidding

  • Name, email address, bid amount, optional note.

  • Technical data sent with the form (IP address and user-agent) for security/anti-spam.

  • Audit data (timestamps, status of a bid).

  • Optional communications data (emails we exchange about your bid).

4) How we use your data (purposes & legal bases)

  • To provide the Service and run the auction (contract / legitimate interests).

  • To validate and record bids, prevent fraud, and ensure fair conduct (legitimate interests).

  • To communicate with bidders about their bids, outcomes and next steps (contract / legitimate interests).

  • To improve our site and fix problems (legitimate interests: analytics, diagnostics).

  • To comply with legal and tax obligations (legal obligation).

  • With your consent, to send optional marketing updates (you can unsubscribe at any time).

5) What we show publicly

During/after the auction we may display the current/highest bid.

  • By default we may show a redacted identity (e.g., “J—, AU”) and bid amount.

  • If you prefer complete anonymity, email duncinvent@gmail.combefore bidding or add “anonymous” in your bid note and we will mask your identity.

6) Cookies & similar tech

We use strictly-necessary cookies for the site to function. If analytics are enabled, we may use performance/measurement cookies to understand traffic. You can control cookies in your browser settings.

7) Data sources

  • You, when you submit a form or place a bid.

  • Automated collection from your device (IP, user-agent).

  • Email or other correspondence you send us.

8) Sharing your data

We share data only as needed to operate the Service:

  • Service providers / processors: web hosting, email, storage and forms (e.g., Google Workspace/Apps Script/Sheets); site builder/hosting platform; analytics provider.

  • Professional advisers: legal, accounting, or compliance advisers.

  • Transaction counterparties: where necessary for due diligence (e.g., if you’re the winning bidder/licensee).

  • Law enforcement/regulators: if required by law or to protect our rights.

We do not sell your personal data.

9) International transfers

Our providers (including Google) may store data in multiple countries. Where required, we rely on appropriate safeguards (such as Standard Contractual Clauses) or comparable protections. By using the Service you acknowledge these transfers.

10) Data retention

  • Bids & related records: generally up to 7 years (for audit/contract and tax).

  • Unsuccessful bid contact details: usually 24 months (to manage queries or re-runs of the auction).

  • Website enquiries: up to 24 months.
    We may keep data longer if needed to establish, exercise or defend legal claims.

11) Security

We use reasonable technical and organisational measures (access controls, encryption in transit, least-privilege access, logging). No system is 100% secure; please take care with the information you submit.

12) Your rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to:

  • access, correct, update or delete your personal data;

  • object to or restrict certain processing;

  • withdraw consent (where processing relies on consent);

  • data portability;

  • complain to a regulator.

Australia: you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
UK: you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
We invite you to email us first at duncinvent@gmail.comso we can help.

13) Children

Our Service is for adults involved in business transactions. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

14) Third-party links

Our site may link to third parties (e.g., payment providers, document portals). Their privacy terms apply when you use their services.

15) Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top will change, and the new policy will apply from publication.

16) Contact

Questions or requests about privacy:
Email: duncinvent@gmail.com