1. Introduction to the Policy
1.1
Company Background: LOKA Biosciences Private Limited (hereinafter referred to as “Company”), is a company duly incorporated under the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 and Companies Act, 2013. The Company is engaged in the research, development and manufacture of biologics, biosimilars, biotherapeutics, linear mRNA, self amplifying mRNA, IVT enzymes, plasmid DNA and related biotechnology services.
1.2
Commitment to Privacy: The Company is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality and security of personal information of employees, prospective employees, website visitors, clients, collaborators, researchers, and partners (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Data Providers”) that the Company may collect and/or come into possession. This Privacy Policy outlines how the Company handles such personal information.
1.3
Scope: This Privacy Policy applies to personal information collected, received, stored, processed, or shared by the Company either directly or through authorized persons, including through our website www.lokabiosciences.com.
2. Applicable Law and Definitions
2.1
Applicable Law: This Privacy Policy is drafted pursuant to and in compliance with:
- Section 43A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (“IT Act”)
- Rule 4 of the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Information) Rules, 2011 (“SPDI Rules”)
2.2
Definitions:
- Personal Information: Any information relating to a Data Provider which, either directly or indirectly, in combination with other information available or likely to be available with the Company, is capable of identifying such Data Provider. Examples include names, email addresses, phone numbers, postal addresses, professional or academic details, and information submitted through forms on our website.
- Sensitive Personal Data or Information (SPDI): Includes financial, health, biometric, sexual orientation, medical records or history, and other categories defined under the SPDI Rules. The Company does not generally collect such SPDI except where required by law or for limited employment-related purposes.
- Infrastructure: Company networks, laptops, servers or any electronic devices provided to employees by the Company for official use.
3. Information Collected and Method of Collection
3.1
Categories of Information:
- Employees and job applicants: Names, contact details, resumes, qualifications, employment history, compensation information, and identification numbers.
- Website visitors: Names, email addresses, phone numbers, organization names, and information submitted voluntarily through contact forms or inquiries.
- Clients, partners, and researchers: Business contact details, organization information, and communications relevant to collaborations or services.
3.2
Consent: All information is provided voluntarily by the Data Providers. By submitting information, you consent to its collection, use, and processing in accordance with this Privacy Policy. Data Providers may withhold information or withdraw consent by contacting the Company at info@lokabiosciences.com.
3.3
Monitoring: The Company may monitor its Infrastructure for security and compliance purposes. In such cases, information may be accessed or stored as part of legitimate business operations.
3.4
Third Parties: The Company may authorize third parties (“Authorized Persons”) such as consultants, service providers, or contractors to handle personal information on its behalf. These parties are bound by confidentiality and data protection obligations.
4. Use of Personal Information
The Company may use personal information for purposes including but not limited to:
- Human resources, recruitment, and employment-related activities
- Responding to inquiries from website visitors, clients, or researchers
- Business development, collaborations, and service delivery
- Administrative, compliance, and legal obligations
- Security monitoring and safeguarding the Company’s rights, assets, and infrastructure
- Communicating with Data Providers regarding updates, services, or opportunities
5. Retention of Information
The Company retains personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy or as required by law. Once the purpose has been served, information will be securely deleted or anonymized, unless a longer retention period is required by regulation.
6. Disclosure of Personal Information
6.1
Disclosure Circumstances: The Company does not sell or publish personal information. It may be disclosed only in the following circumstances:
- To affiliates, consultants, contractors, or service providers for legitimate business needs and only under confidentiality obligations
- To comply with legal obligations, court orders, or governmental requests
- To protect the rights, property, or safety of the Company, its employees, or the public
6.2
Transfer Outside India: The Company does not transfer personal data outside India unless legally required and with adequate protection safeguards.
7. Information Security Practices and Procedures
7.1
Safeguards: The Company maintains appropriate technical, organizational, and administrative safeguards to protect personal information against loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
7.2
Limitations: Despite these efforts, no data transmission over the internet or electronic storage is guaranteed to be completely secure. The Company is not responsible for breaches beyond its reasonable control.
8. Data Provider Rights
Data Providers have the right to:
- Access personal information held about them
- Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
- Withdraw consent for processing of personal information (subject to law and contractual obligations)
Requests can be sent to info@lokabiosciences.com.
9. Grievances
In case of any concerns, feedback, or complaints relating to this Privacy Policy or the handling of personal information, Data Providers may write to the Company at info@lokabiosciences.com. The Company will use reasonable efforts to address grievances in a timely manner.
10. Updates to this Policy
The Company may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on www.lokabiosciences.com. The revised policy will be effective once posted. Data Providers are encouraged to review the policy periodically.
11. Interpretation
11.1 This Privacy Policy does not create or confer any rights beyond those established by applicable Indian law.
11.2 If any provision of this Privacy Policy conflicts with applicable law, the provisions of applicable law will prevail.
11.3 If any provision is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect.