Privacy Policy

Last Updated: December 18, 2024

Introduction

This Privacy Policy describes how Andrea Henry, through Goldmine Business and IP Law and The Secure Startup Inc. (doing business as IP Goldmine), collects, uses, discloses, and protects personal information obtained through the IP Goldmine website located at youripgoldmine.com (the "Website").

We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with applicable Canadian privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act ("PIPEDA") and applicable provincial privacy legislation.

This Privacy Policy should be read in conjunction with our Website Terms and Conditions. By using this Website, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy.

Section 1: Who We Are and How to Contact Us

1.1 Dual Entity Structure

This Website serves as an information portal for two separate legal entities:

  • GOLDMINE BUSINESS AND IP LAW — a law firm providing legal services to Canadian residents and persons doing business in Canada
  • THE SECURE STARTUP INC., doing business as IP GOLDMINE — a corporation providing coaching, consulting, and educational services

Both entities are owned and operated by Andrea Bolden and share this Privacy Policy, though certain information handling practices differ based on the nature of services provided.

1.2 Privacy Officer

Our Privacy Officer is responsible for overseeing compliance with this Privacy Policy and applicable privacy laws.

Privacy Officer: Andrea Bolden
Email: andrea@goldminelaw.ca
Mailing Address: 28-2155 Dunwin Drive, Mississauga, ON L5L 4M1

If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact our Privacy Officer using the contact information above.

Section 2: What Personal Information We Collect

"Personal Information" means information about an identifiable individual. We collect different types of Personal Information depending on how you interact with the Website.

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect Personal Information that you voluntarily provide when you:

Subscribe to email communications or newsletters:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Communication preferences

Book a discovery call or consultation:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Scheduling preferences
  • Information provided in booking forms or pre-call questionnaires

Contact us through forms or email:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number (if provided)
  • Message content and any information you choose to include

Engage legal services (through signed Engagement Letter only):

  • Full name and contact information
  • Business information
  • Financial information for billing purposes
  • Information relevant to legal representation
  • Any information disclosed during legal representation

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our Website, we automatically collect certain information:

Technical Information:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type and operating system
  • Referring website
  • Pages visited and time spent on pages
  • Date and time of access

Cookies and Similar Technologies:

  • We use cookies and similar tracking technologies as described in Section 8 below
  • Analytics data through services like Google Analytics (if applicable)

Section 3: How We Use Your Personal Information

3.1 General Purposes

We use your Personal Information for the following purposes:

  • Responding to inquiries and communications
  • Providing and improving our services
  • Processing bookings and scheduling
  • Sending newsletters and educational content
  • Analyzing Website usage and improving user experience

3.2 Legal Services — Additional Uses

For individuals who become legal services clients through a signed Engagement Letter with Goldmine Business and IP Law, we use Personal Information to:

  • Provide legal representation and advice
  • Conduct legal research and analysis
  • Communicate regarding legal matters
  • Maintain client files and records
  • Bill for legal services
  • Comply with professional obligations and regulatory requirements
  • Manage conflicts of interest

Legal client information is subject to solicitor-client privilege and additional confidentiality protections beyond this Privacy Policy, as outlined in the Engagement Letter.

3.3 Coaching and Consulting Services — Additional Uses

For individuals who purchase coaching or consulting services from The Secure Startup Inc., we use Personal Information to:

  • Deliver purchased programs and services
  • Provide access to member communities and resources
  • Facilitate group programs and masterminds
  • Provide feedback and coaching
  • Create case studies or examples (anonymized)
  • Improve program offerings

Note: Information shared in coaching or consulting contexts is NOT protected by solicitor-client privilege, even if you are also a legal services client for a separate matter.

Section 4: Legal Basis for Processing (Consent)

We collect, use, and disclose your Personal Information based on your consent. By using this Website and providing your Personal Information, you consent to our collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.

You may withdraw your consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice. To withdraw consent, contact our Privacy Officer. Note that withdrawing consent may affect our ability to provide certain services to you.

Section 5: How We Share Your Personal Information

5.1 No Sale or Rental of Personal Information

We do NOT sell, rent, or trade your Personal Information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

5.2 Disclosure to Service Providers

We may share your Personal Information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating the Website and providing services, including:

  • Email service providers (for sending newsletters and communications)
  • Scheduling platforms (for booking and managing appointments)
  • Payment processors (for processing payments — on thesecurestartup.ca)
  • Web hosting and technology providers
  • Analytics services
  • Cloud storage providers
  • Professional advisors (accountants, lawyers, consultants)

These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your Personal Information and may only use it for the purposes we specify.

5.3 Legal and Regulatory Disclosures

We may disclose your Personal Information when required or permitted by law, including:

  • To comply with legal processes (subpoenas, court orders, etc.)
  • To comply with regulatory requirements
  • To protect our legal rights and property
  • To protect the safety and security of individuals
  • To prevent fraud or illegal activity
  • In connection with legal proceedings or investigations

Section 6: How We Protect Your Personal Information

6.1 Security Measures

We implement reasonable physical, technical, and administrative security measures to protect your Personal Information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

  • Secure servers and encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS)
  • Access controls and authentication requirements
  • Regular security assessments and updates
  • Employee training on privacy and security
  • Confidentiality agreements with service providers

6.2 Limitations on Security

Despite our security measures, no Internet transmission or electronic storage system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information.

6.3 Data Retention

We retain your Personal Information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law.

General retention periods:

  • Email subscribers — Until you unsubscribe, plus reasonable period for business records
  • Discovery call participants — For reasonable business purposes (typically 1-2 years)
  • Legal services clients — As required by Law Society of Ontario Rules (minimum 7-10 years after matter completion)
  • Coaching/consulting clients — Duration of services plus reasonable business record period
  • Website analytics — As determined by analytics provider (typically 26 months for Google Analytics)

When Personal Information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.

Section 7: Your Privacy Rights

Under Canadian privacy laws, you have certain rights regarding your Personal Information:

7.1 Right to Access

You have the right to request access to your Personal Information that we hold. We will provide you with:

  • Confirmation of whether we have Personal Information about you
  • A copy of your Personal Information
  • Information about how we use and disclose your Personal Information

To request access, contact our Privacy Officer. We may charge a reasonable fee for access requests in certain circumstances.

7.2 Right to Correction

You have the right to request correction of inaccurate or incomplete Personal Information. We will correct or complete your Personal Information as appropriate.

7.3 Right to Withdrawal of Consent

You have the right to withdraw your consent for the collection, use, or disclosure of your Personal Information, subject to legal or contractual restrictions.

To withdraw consent:

  • Email subscriptions: Click "unsubscribe" in any email or contact our Privacy Officer
  • Other purposes: Contact our Privacy Officer

Note that withdrawing consent may affect our ability to provide services to you.

7.4 Right to Complain

If you believe we have violated your privacy rights or applicable privacy laws, you have the right to file a complaint with:

Our Privacy Officer

AND/OR

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
30 Victoria Street, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 1H3
Toll-free: 1-800-282-1376
Website: www.priv.gc.ca

7.5 Response Timeline

We will respond to your privacy rights requests within 30 days. In some cases, we may extend this period by an additional 30 days if necessary, and we will notify you of any extension.

Section 8: Cookies and Tracking Technologies

8.1 What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They allow the website to remember your preferences and provide a better user experience.

8.2 How We Use Cookies

We use the following types of cookies:

  • Essential Cookies: Required for the Website to function properly. Enable basic functions like page navigation. Cannot be disabled without affecting Website functionality.
  • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use the Website. Collect anonymous information about pages visited, time spent, etc. Used to improve Website performance and user experience.
  • Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings. Enhance your user experience.
  • Marketing Cookies (if applicable): Track your activity across websites. Used to deliver relevant advertisements. Help measure advertising effectiveness.

8.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

  • View what cookies are stored
  • Delete cookies
  • Block some or all cookies
  • Set preferences for specific websites

Note that disabling cookies may affect Website functionality and your user experience.

To learn more about cookies and how to manage them, visit: www.aboutcookies.org

Section 9: Email Communications and Marketing

9.1 Newsletter and Marketing Emails

When you subscribe to our email list, you consent to receive:

  • Newsletters and educational content
  • Information about programs, services, and offerings
  • Updates, announcements, and promotional materials
  • Free resources and tools
  • Invitations to events, webinars, or workshops

9.2 Unsubscribe Rights

You may unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time by:

We will process your unsubscribe request within 10 business days.

Section 10: Children's Privacy

Our Website and services are not directed to children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect Personal Information from children under 18.

If you are under 18, please do not provide any Personal Information through this Website. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 18, please contact our Privacy Officer immediately, and we will delete the information.

Section 11: Links to Third-Party Websites

This Website may contain links to third-party websites, including:

  • thesecurestartup.ca (where purchases are processed)
  • Social media platforms
  • Resources and tools
  • Service provider websites
  • Other relevant websites

This Privacy Policy does NOT apply to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

Section 12: Special Considerations for Legal Services Clients

12.1 Solicitor-Client Privilege

Information provided by legal services clients is subject to solicitor-client privilege, which is a fundamental legal protection that is separate from and in addition to privacy law protections.

Solicitor-client privilege means:

  • Communications between lawyer and client for the purpose of legal advice are confidential
  • These communications cannot be disclosed without the client's consent (with limited exceptions)
  • This protection continues indefinitely

12.2 Law Society Requirements

As a lawyer called to the Bar in Ontario, Andrea Bolden is subject to the Law Society of Ontario's Rules of Professional Conduct, which impose duties regarding:

  • Client confidentiality
  • Conflicts of interest
  • Record keeping
  • Professional conduct

These obligations may require different information handling practices than described in this Privacy Policy. Your Engagement Letter will provide additional information about these obligations.

12.3 Separate from Coaching/Consulting Information

Information provided in a legal services context is treated differently than information provided in a coaching or consulting context:

Legal Services (Goldmine Business and IP Law) Coaching/Consulting (The Secure Startup Inc.)
Protected by solicitor-client privilege NOT protected by solicitor-client privilege
Subject to Law Society rules May be used for case studies (anonymized)
Confidential and cannot be used for other purposes May be discussed in educational contexts
Retained per Law Society requirements (7-10 years minimum) Subject to general confidentiality expectations only

If you engage both legal services AND coaching/consulting services, information is kept separate and subject to different protections. You should be careful about what information you share in each context.

Section 13: International Data Transfers

13.1 Service Providers Outside Canada

Some of our service providers may be located outside Canada, including in the United States. When we use service providers outside Canada, your Personal Information may be processed and stored in those countries.

Countries outside Canada may have different privacy laws that may not provide the same level of protection as Canadian privacy laws. However, we require our service providers to protect your Personal Information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.

13.2 Consent to Transfer

By using this Website and providing your Personal Information, you consent to the transfer, storage, and processing of your information in countries outside Canada, including the United States.

Section 14: Changes to This Privacy Policy

14.1 Right to Modify

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes may be made to reflect:

  • Changes in our practices
  • Changes in applicable laws
  • New technologies or services
  • Feedback from users or regulators

14.2 Notice of Changes

When we make material changes to this Privacy Policy, we will:

  • Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
  • Notify active email subscribers of significant changes
  • Post a notice on the Website

Your continued use of the Website after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the modified Privacy Policy.

Section 15: Questions, Concerns, and Complaints

15.1 Contact Our Privacy Officer

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact our Privacy Officer:

Privacy Officer: Andrea Bolden
Email: andrea@goldminelaw.ca
Mailing Address: 28-2155 Dunwin Drive, Mississauga, ON L5L 4M1

15.2 Complaint Process

If you have a complaint about our privacy practices:

  • Contact our Privacy Officer with details of your concern
  • We will investigate and respond within 30 days (or within 60 days if we need more time)
  • If you are not satisfied with our response, you may file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

Section 16: Consent and Acknowledgment

By using this Website, you acknowledge that:

  • You have read and understood this Privacy Policy
  • You consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your Personal Information as described in this Privacy Policy
  • You understand that you may withdraw your consent at any time (subject to legal or contractual restrictions)
  • You understand the difference between legal services (protected by solicitor-client privilege) and coaching/consulting services (not protected by solicitor-client privilege)
  • You understand that no solicitor-client relationship is created by using this Website unless you sign an Engagement Letter with Goldmine Business and IP Law

If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, you must not use this Website or provide any Personal Information.

Effective Date

This Privacy Policy is effective as of the "Last Updated" date shown at the top of this document.