Privacy Policy

How we collect, use, and protect your information when you use the SciSuite website and software.

Last updated: April 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how Bo Lv ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, and protects your information when you visit the SciSuite website or use SciSuite software (GuideMi, WesternBo, ImageXi, ChartEr, SciPanel). By using our website or software, you agree to the practices described below.

1. Overview

SciSuite is a collection of plugins for Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator designed for scientific figure preparation. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data transparently and responsibly.

2. Information We Collect

We collect only the minimum information needed to operate the service:

  • Purchase information: name, email address, and billing details, collected through our payment processor when you purchase a license.
  • License activation data: your email address and registration key, transmitted to our verification server over a secure connection to validate your license.
  • Communication data: any information you provide when contacting us via email.
  • Website usage data: basic server logs (IP address, browser type, pages visited, timestamps) collected automatically when you visit our website.

The plugins themselves store all settings and preferences locally within Adobe Photoshop's or Illustrator's application data. No user-generated content (images, figures, or artwork) is transmitted to us.

3. How We Use Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Process purchases and deliver license keys
  • Validate license activation
  • Provide technical support
  • Send important service announcements (e.g., security updates, terms changes)
  • Comply with legal and tax obligations
  • Detect and prevent fraud or abuse

We do not use your information for advertising or sell it to third parties.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom, or Switzerland, we process your personal data on the following legal bases:

  • Contract: to fulfill our obligations when you purchase a license
  • Legitimate interests: to operate and improve our service, prevent fraud, and provide support
  • Legal obligation: to comply with tax, accounting, and other applicable laws
  • Consent: where we rely on your consent, you may withdraw it at any time

5. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data. We share information only with:

  • Payment processors who process transactions and handle tax compliance on our behalf
  • Service providers (e.g., hosting, email delivery) strictly for operating the service
  • Legal and regulatory authorities where required by law

6. Third-Party Services

We rely on the following third-party services, each with its own privacy policy:

  • Creem (Armitage Labs OÜ): our payment processor and Merchant of Record, which handles checkout, tax compliance, and payment data.
  • GitHub Pages: hosts our website and collects standard server logs.

When you make a purchase, your payment information is collected and processed directly by our payment processor. We do not store your full credit card details on our servers.

7. Cookies and Similar Technologies

Our website does not set advertising or tracking cookies. Third-party services (such as the payment processor's checkout page) may set essential cookies required for their functionality. You can manage cookies through your browser settings.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary to provide the service and comply with legal obligations:

  • Purchase and license records are retained for as long as required by tax and accounting laws (typically 7 years)
  • Support communications are retained for up to 3 years
  • Server logs are retained for up to 12 months

After these periods, data is deleted or anonymized.

9. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

  • Access: request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
  • Rectification: correct inaccurate or incomplete data
  • Erasure: request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
  • Restriction: limit how we process your data
  • Portability: receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
  • Objection: object to processing based on legitimate interests
  • Withdraw consent: where processing is based on consent
  • Lodge a complaint: with a supervisory authority in your country

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at the email address below.

10. California Residents (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

  • Know what personal information is collected, used, or disclosed
  • Request deletion of your personal information
  • Opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
  • Non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

11. Children's Privacy

SciSuite is not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us and we will delete it.

12. Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

13. International Data Transfers

Your personal data may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own, including the United States and the European Union. Where required, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place (such as Standard Contractual Clauses) to protect your data.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page will reflect the latest revision. Material changes will be communicated through our website or by email.

15. Contact

Bo Lv
Email: bolyu@pitt.edu
Website: https://scisweet.github.io/