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Terms of Service & Privacy Policy (Beta)

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BETA SOFTWARE NOTICE: @Benchtop is currently in beta testing. This software is still under development and may contain bugs or incomplete features. By using this beta version, you acknowledge and accept the limitations described in these terms.

1. Introduction

Welcome to @Benchtop by ReagentSmith.io ("we," "our," or "us"), a visual wet lab protocol builder. This document outlines both our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, explaining how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you use our application and services.

By accessing or using @Benchtop, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. If you disagree with any part of these terms, you may not access our services.

Important: Your Data Stays With You
All protocol data you create in @Benchtop is stored locally in your web browser. We do not upload, store, or have access to your protocol data on our servers. Your scientific work remains entirely private and under your control.

2. Terms of Service

2.1 Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using @Benchtop, you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. These terms apply to all users of the application, including without limitation users who are browsers, vendors, customers, merchants, and/or contributors of content.

2.2 License to Use

@Benchtop is provided free of charge during the beta period to promote open science. We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use @Benchtop for:

Non-Commercial License: During the beta period, @Benchtop is provided under a non-commercial license. Commercial use is not permitted without explicit written permission from ReagentSmith.io. "Commercial use" includes using the software in connection with business operations, revenue-generating activities, or commercial product development.

2.3 Beta Software Disclaimer

@Benchtop is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to:

YOU USE @BENCHTOP AT YOUR OWN RISK. The software may contain bugs, errors, or inaccuracies. We recommend maintaining backup copies of all your protocol data and not relying solely on @Benchtop for critical operations.

2.4 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, ReagentSmith.io and its affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits or revenues, whether incurred directly or indirectly, or any loss of data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses resulting from:

IN NO EVENT SHALL OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU EXCEED ZERO DOLLARS ($0.00) AS THIS IS A FREE SERVICE.

2.5 User Responsibilities

You agree to:

2.6 Intellectual Property

Your Protocol Data: You retain all rights, title, and interest in and to the protocol data you create using @Benchtop. We do not claim any ownership of your scientific work.

Our Software: The @Benchtop application, including its code, design, features, and documentation, is owned by ReagentSmith.io and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

2.7 Modifications to Service

We reserve the right to:

We will make reasonable efforts to notify users of significant changes, but are not obligated to do so during the beta period.

2.8 Future Transition to Commercial Service

After the beta period, @Benchtop may transition to a commercial service with:

Beta users will receive advance notice and the opportunity to review new terms before any transition.

2.9 Termination

You may stop using @Benchtop at any time. We may terminate or suspend your access to the service immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including breach of these Terms.

3. Privacy Policy

3.1 Overview - What We Collect and Don't Collect

What We DON'T Collect:
  • Your protocol data (this stays in your browser only)
  • Names or personal identifiers (unless you voluntarily provide them)
  • Login credentials (no user accounts required)
  • Camera or location data
  • Payment information (service is free)

3.2 Information We Collect

3.2.1 Email Addresses (Voluntary)

If you choose to sign up for updates or early access information through our landing page, we collect your email address. This is entirely optional - you can use @Benchtop without providing any email.

Purpose: To send you product updates, new feature announcements, and beta program information.

Legal Basis: Your consent (you can unsubscribe at any time).

3.2.2 Analytics Data (Anonymous)

We use Simple Analytics, a privacy-friendly analytics service, to collect anonymous usage data to understand how people use @Benchtop and improve the application. This includes:

Why Simple Analytics? We specifically chose Simple Analytics because:

Important: This data is completely anonymous and cannot be linked to you personally. We do not track individual users across sessions or devices.

3.2.3 Technical Information (Automatic)

When you use @Benchtop, your browser automatically provides certain technical information:

This information is collected automatically by web servers and is used for security, debugging, and service improvement.

3.3 How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

3.4 Data Storage - Where Your Protocol Data Lives

Your Protocol Data: All protocols, workflows, and scientific data you create in @Benchtop are stored exclusively in your web browser's local storage (IndexedDB/localStorage). This means:

Recommendation: Regularly export your protocols using the Save & Export feature to maintain backups.

Email Addresses: If you provide your email for updates, it is stored securely on our servers (currently using Google Apps Script with Google Sheets backend). We implement appropriate security measures to protect this data.

3.5 Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information only in these limited circumstances:

We will NEVER share your email for marketing purposes with third parties.

3.6 Your Rights and Choices

3.6.1 Under GDPR (EU Users)

If you are in the European Union, you have the following rights:

3.6.2 Under POPIA (South African Users)

As a South African-based service, we comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). You have the right to:

We process your information lawfully, for specific purposes, and with appropriate safeguards as required by POPIA.

3.6.3 Under CCPA (California Users)

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

3.6.4 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond within 30 days (or as required by applicable law).

To unsubscribe from emails, click the "unsubscribe" link in any email we send, or contact us directly.

3.7 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

@Benchtop uses minimal cookies and tracking:

We do not use:

Your browser's local storage is used solely to save your protocol data on your device.

3.8 Data Retention

3.9 International Data Transfers

Your information (if any is collected) may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using @Benchtop, you consent to such transfers. We take steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers as required by GDPR and other applicable laws.

3.10 Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including:

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. During the beta period, security measures are continuously being improved.

3.11 Children's Privacy

@Benchtop is not intended for users under the age of 13 (or 16 in the EU). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will delete such information.

3.12 Third-Party Links

@Benchtop may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third parties. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

3.13 Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of significant changes by:

Your continued use of @Benchtop after changes become effective constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

3.14 Beta-Specific Privacy Considerations

During the beta period:

We will always prioritize user privacy and will notify users of any significant changes to data collection practices.

4. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding these Terms or Privacy Policy, please contact us:

For POPIA-related inquiries (South African users), you may also contact the Information Regulator at:

5. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Privacy Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. However, we also comply with applicable laws where you reside, including:

Any disputes arising from these terms or your use of @Benchtop shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of South Africa, unless your local laws provide for mandatory jurisdiction in your country of residence.

6. Acceptance of Terms

By using @Benchtop, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the service.

Last Updated: February 8, 2026