We are very pleased about your interest in our company. The use of our website is generally possible without providing any personal data. However, if a data subject wishes to use special services of our company via our website, the processing of personal data could become necessary. If the processing of personal data is required and there is no legal basis for such processing, we generally obtain the consent of the data subject.

The processing of personal data, such as the name, address, e-mail address, or telephone number of a data subject, is always carried out in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and in compliance with the country-specific data protection regulations applicable to us. By means of this privacy policy, our company wishes to inform the public about the nature, scope, and purpose of the personal data we collect, use, and process. Furthermore, data subjects are informed of their rights by means of this privacy policy.

As the controller responsible for processing, we have implemented numerous technical and organizational measures to ensure the most complete protection possible of personal data processed via this website. Nevertheless, internet-based data transmissions can generally have security gaps, so absolute protection cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, every data subject is free to transmit personal data to us by alternative means, for example, by telephone.

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Definitions
This privacy policy is based on the terms used by the European legislator when adopting the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our privacy policy should be easy to read and understand for both the public and our customers and business partners. To ensure this, we would like to explain the terminology used in advance.

We use the following terms, among others, in this privacy policy:

a) Personal data
Personal data means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (“data subject”). An identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier, or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity of that natural person.

b) Data subject
A data subject is any identified or identifiable natural person whose personal data is processed by the controller responsible for the processing.

c) Processing
Processing is any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, organization, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, dissemination, or otherwise making available, alignment or combination, restriction, erasure, or destruction.

d) Restriction of processing
Restriction of processing is the marking of stored personal data with the aim of limiting its future processing.

e) Profiling
Profiling means any form of automated processing of personal data consisting of the use of such personal data to evaluate certain personal aspects relating to a natural person, in particular to analyze or predict aspects concerning that natural person’s performance at work, economic situation, health, personal preferences, interests, reliability, behavior, location, or movements.

f) Pseudonymization
Pseudonymization means the processing of personal data in such a manner that the personal data can no longer be attributed to a specific data subject without the use of additional information, provided that such additional information is kept separately and is subject to technical and organizational measures to ensure that the personal data is not attributed to an identified or identifiable natural person.

g) Controller or controller responsible for the processing
The controller or controller responsible for the processing is the natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data. Where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by Union or Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its designation may be provided for by Union or Member State law.

h) Processor
A processor is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body which processes personal data on behalf of the controller.

i) Recipient
A recipient is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or another body to which the personal data are disclosed, whether a third party or not. However, public authorities which may receive personal data in the framework of a particular inquiry in accordance with Union or Member State law shall not be regarded as recipients.

j) Third party
A third party is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or body other than the data subject, the controller, the processor, and persons who, under the direct authority of the controller or processor, are authorized to process personal data.

k) Consent
Consent is any freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous indication of the data subject’s wishes by which they, by a statement or by a clear affirmative action, signify agreement to the processing of personal data relating to them.

Cookies / SessionStorage / LocalStorage

The websites partially use so-called cookies, local storage, and session storage. This serves to make our offering more user-friendly, effective, and secure. Local storage and session storage are technologies with which your browser stores data on your computer or mobile device. Cookies are text files that are placed and stored on a computer system via an internet browser. You can prevent the use of cookies, local storage, and session storage by adjusting the corresponding settings in your browser.

Numerous websites and servers use cookies. Many cookies contain what is known as a cookie ID. A cookie ID is a unique identifier of the cookie. It consists of a string of characters through which websites and servers can be assigned to the specific internet browser in which the cookie was stored. This enables visited websites and servers to distinguish the individual browser of the data subject from other internet browsers that contain different cookies. A particular internet browser can be recognized and identified by its unique cookie ID.

By using cookies, the users of this website can be provided with more user-friendly services that would not be possible without the setting of cookies.

Through a cookie, the information and offers on our website can be optimized with the user in mind. As already mentioned, cookies enable us to recognize the users of our website. The purpose of this recognition is to make it easier for users to use our website. For example, a user of a website that uses cookies does not have to enter their login data again each time they visit the website, because this is handled by the website and the cookie stored on the user’s computer system. Another example is the cookie of a shopping cart in an online shop. The online shop remembers the items that a customer has placed in the virtual shopping cart via a cookie.

The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website at any time by means of a corresponding setting in the internet browser used and thus permanently object to the setting of cookies. Furthermore, cookies that have already been set can be deleted at any time via an internet browser or other software programs. This is possible in all common internet browsers. If the data subject deactivates the setting of cookies in the internet browser used, not all functions of our website may be fully usable.

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Collection of General Data and Information

The website collects a series of general data and information each time the website is accessed by a data subject or an automated system. This general data and information is stored in the server’s log files. The data collected may include:

1. the browser types and versions used,

2. the operating system used by the accessing system,

3. the website from which an accessing system reaches our website (so-called referrer),

4. the subpages that are accessed via an accessing system on our website,

5. the date and time of access to the website,

6. an internet protocol address (IP address),

7. the internet service provider of the accessing system, and

8. other similar data and information that serve to avert danger in the event of attacks on our information technology systems.

When using this general data and information, we do not draw any conclusions about the data subject. Rather, this information is needed to:

1. deliver the contents of our website correctly,

2. optimize the contents of our website as well as the advertising for it,

3. ensure the permanent functionality of our information technology systems and the technology of our website, and

4. provide law enforcement authorities with the information necessary for prosecution in the event of a cyber attack.

This anonymously collected data and information is therefore evaluated statistically by us, and also with the aim of increasing data protection and data security in our company, in order to ultimately ensure an optimal level of protection for the personal data we process. The anonymous data of the server log files is stored separately from all personal data provided by a data subject.

Registration on Our Website

The data subject has the opportunity to register on the website of the controller responsible for the processing by providing personal data. Which personal data is transmitted to the controller results from the respective input mask used for registration. The personal data entered by the data subject is collected and stored exclusively for internal use by the controller and for their own purposes. The controller may arrange for transfer to one or more processors, for example a parcel service provider, who will also use the personal data exclusively for internal purposes attributable to the controller.

By registering on the website of the controller, the IP address assigned by the internet service provider (ISP) of the data subject, as well as the date and time of registration, are also stored. The storage of this data occurs against the background that this is the only way to prevent misuse of our services, and, if necessary, to make it possible to investigate committed offences. In this respect, the storage of this data is necessary to secure the controller. This data is not passed on to third parties unless there is a legal obligation to do so or the disclosure serves the purpose of criminal prosecution.

The registration of the data subject, with voluntary provision of personal data, is intended to enable the controller to offer the data subject content or services which, by their nature, can only be offered to registered users. Registered persons are free to modify the personal data provided during registration at any time or to have it completely deleted from the controller’s database.

The controller shall, at any time upon request, provide any data subject with information as to which personal data is stored about the data subject. Furthermore, the controller shall correct or delete personal data at the request or indication of the data subject, insofar as this does not conflict with any statutory retention obligations. In this context, all employees of the controller are available to the data subject as contact persons.

 

Contact Possibility via the Website

Due to legal regulations, the website contains information that enables a quick electronic contact with our company as well as direct communication with us, which also includes a general address of so-called electronic mail (e-mail address). If a data subject contacts the controller by e-mail or via a contact form, the personal data transmitted by the data subject is stored automatically.

Such personal data, transmitted voluntarily by a data subject to the controller, is stored for the purpose of processing or contacting the data subject. There is no transfer of this personal data to third parties.

 

Comment Function in the Blog on the Website

We offer users the opportunity to leave individual comments on individual blog posts on a blog located on the website of the controller. A blog is a publicly accessible portal on a website in which one or more people, called bloggers or web bloggers, can post articles or write down thoughts in so-called blog posts. As a rule, third parties can comment on the blog posts.

If a data subject leaves a comment on the blog published on this website, in addition to the comments left by the data subject, information on the time of the comment entry and the user name (pseudonym) chosen by the data subject will also be stored and published. Furthermore, the IP address assigned by the internet service provider (ISP) of the data subject is also logged. This storage of the IP address takes place for security reasons and in case the data subject violates the rights of third parties or posts illegal content through a given comment. The storage of this personal data is therefore in the controller’s own interest, so that the controller can exonerate themselves in the event of a legal infringement, if necessary. No transfer of this collected personal data to third parties takes place, unless such a transfer is required by law or serves the legal defence of the controller.

Gravatar
For comments, the Gravatar service from Automattic is used. Gravatar matches your email address and displays your avatar image next to the comment—provided you are registered there. If you are not registered, no image is displayed. It should be noted that all registered WordPress users are automatically also registered with Gravatar. Details about Gravatar can be found here: https://de.gravatar.com.

Routine Erasure and Blocking of Personal Data

The controller processes and stores the personal data of the data subject only for the period necessary to achieve the purpose of storage or insofar as this has been provided for by the European legislator or another legislator in laws or regulations to which the controller is subject.

If the storage purpose ceases to apply, or if a storage period prescribed by the European legislator or another competent legislator expires, the personal data will be routinely blocked or deleted in accordance with the legal provisions.

Rights of the Data Subject

a) Right to Confirmation
Every data subject has the right, granted by the European legislator, to obtain from the controller confirmation as to whether or not personal data concerning them is being processed. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to confirmation, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time.

b) Right to Access
Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European legislator, to obtain from the controller free information about the personal data stored about them and a copy of this information at any time. Furthermore, the European legislator has granted the data subject access to the following information:

• the purposes of the processing

• the categories of personal data that are processed

• the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data have been or will be disclosed, in particular recipients in third countries or international organisations

• if possible, the envisaged period for which the personal data will be stored, or, if not possible, the criteria used to determine that period

• the existence of the right to request rectification or erasure of personal data concerning them, or restriction of processing by the controller, or to object to such processing

• the existence of the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

• where the personal data are not collected from the data subject: any available information as to their source

• the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, referred to in Article 22(1) and (4) GDPR and, at least in those cases, meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and envisaged consequences of such processing for the data subject

Furthermore, the data subject has a right to know whether personal data has been transferred to a third country or to an international organisation. Where this is the case, the data subject also has the right to be informed of the appropriate safeguards relating to the transfer.

If a data subject wishes to exercise this right of access, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time.

c) Right to Rectification
Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European legislator, to request the immediate rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning them. Furthermore, taking into account the purposes of the processing, the data subject has the right to have incomplete personal data completed, including by means of providing a supplementary statement.

If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to rectification, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time.

d) Right to Erasure (Right to be Forgotten)
Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European legislator, to obtain from the controller the erasure of personal data concerning them without undue delay where one of the following grounds applies, and insofar as processing is not necessary:

• The personal data are no longer necessary in relation to the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed.

• The data subject withdraws consent on which the processing is based according to Article 6(1)(a) GDPR or Article 9(2)(a) GDPR, and where there is no other legal ground for the processing.

• The data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21(1) GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21(2) GDPR.

• The personal data have been unlawfully processed.

• The personal data have to be erased for compliance with a legal obligation under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject.

• The personal data have been collected in relation to the offer of information society services referred to in Article 8(1) GDPR.

If one of the above reasons applies, and a data subject wishes to request the erasure of personal data stored by the controller, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time. The employee will ensure that the erasure request is complied with immediately.

Where the controller has made personal data public and is obliged pursuant to Article 17(1) GDPR to erase the personal data, the controller, taking account of available technology and the cost of implementation, shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform other controllers processing the personal data that the data subject has requested the erasure by such controllers of any links to, or copy or replication of, that personal data, insofar as processing is not required. The employee will arrange the necessary measures in individual cases.

e) Right to Restriction of Processing
Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European legislator, to obtain from the controller restriction of processing where one of the following applies:

• The accuracy of the personal data is contested by the data subject, for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data.

• The processing is unlawful and the data subject opposes the erasure of the personal data and requests the restriction of their use instead.

• The controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but they are required by the data subject for the establishment, exercise, or defence of legal claims.

• The data subject has objected to processing pursuant to Article 21(1) GDPR pending the verification whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override those of the data subject.

If one of the above conditions is met, and a data subject wishes to request the restriction of personal data stored by the controller, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time. The employee will arrange for the restriction of processing.

f) Right to Data Portability
Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European legislator, to receive the personal data concerning them, which they have provided to a controller, in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. They also have the right to transmit those data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to which the personal data have been provided, where the processing is based on consent pursuant to Article 6(1)(a) GDPR or Article 9(2)(a) GDPR or on a contract pursuant to Article 6(1)(b) GDPR, and the processing is carried out by automated means, provided that the processing is not necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.

In exercising their right to data portability pursuant to Article 20(1) GDPR, the data subject has the right to have the personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible and where this does not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others.

To exercise the right to data portability, the data subject may contact us at any time.

g) Right to Object
Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European legislator, to object, on grounds relating to their particular situation, at any time to processing of personal data concerning them, which is based on Article 6(1)(e) or (f) GDPR. This also applies to profiling based on these provisions.

The controller shall no longer process the personal data in the event of the objection, unless the controller can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights, and freedoms of the data subject, or the processing is for the establishment, exercise, or defence of legal claims.

Where personal data are processed for direct marketing purposes, the data subject has the right to object at any time to processing of personal data concerning them for such marketing. This also applies to profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing. If the data subject objects to the processing for direct marketing purposes, the personal data will no longer be processed for such purposes.

In addition, the data subject has the right, on grounds relating to their particular situation, to object to processing of personal data concerning them for scientific or historical research purposes, or for statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89(1) GDPR, unless the processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out for reasons of public interest.

To exercise the right to object, the data subject may contact any employee directly. The data subject is also free, in the context of the use of information society services, and notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, to exercise their right to object by automated means using technical specifications.

h) Automated Individual Decision-Making, including Profiling
Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European legislator, not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning them, or similarly significantly affects them, unless the decision (1) is necessary for entering into, or the performance of, a contract between the data subject and the controller, or (2) is authorised by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject and which also lays down suitable measures to safeguard the data subject’s rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, or (3) is based on the data subject’s explicit consent.

If the decision (1) is necessary for entering into, or the performance of, a contract between the data subject and the controller, or (2) is based on the data subject’s explicit consent, the controller shall implement suitable measures to safeguard the data subject’s rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, which include at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express their point of view, and to contest the decision.

If a data subject wishes to exercise rights concerning automated decision-making, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time.

i) Right to Withdraw Data Protection Consent
Every data subject affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European legislator, to withdraw consent to the processing of personal data at any time.

If the data subject wishes to exercise the right to withdraw consent, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time.

Legal Basis for the Processing

Article 6(1)(a) GDPR serves as the legal basis for our company for processing operations for which we obtain consent for a specific processing purpose. If the processing of personal data is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party—as is the case, for example, with processing operations that are necessary for the supply of goods or to provide any other service or consideration—the processing is based on Article 6(1)(b) GDPR. The same applies to such processing operations that are necessary to carry out pre-contractual measures, for example in the case of inquiries regarding our products or services.

If our company is subject to a legal obligation by which the processing of personal data becomes necessary, such as for the fulfilment of tax obligations, the processing is based on Article 6(1)(c) GDPR.

In rare cases, the processing of personal data may become necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or another natural person. This would be the case, for example, if a visitor were injured in our company and their name, age, health insurance data, or other vital information had to be passed on to a doctor, hospital, or other third party. In such a case, the processing would be based on Article 6(1)(d) GDPR.

Ultimately, processing operations could be based on Article 6(1)(f) GDPR. This legal basis is used for processing operations which are not covered by any of the aforementioned legal bases, if the processing is necessary for the purposes of a legitimate interest pursued by our company or by a third party, provided that the interests, fundamental rights, and freedoms of the data subject do not override such interests. Such processing operations are particularly permitted because they have been specifically mentioned by the European legislator. In this regard, the legislator considered that a legitimate interest could be assumed if the data subject is a client of the controller (Recital 47 Sentence 2 GDPR).

Legitimate Interests Pursued by the Controller or a Third Party

Where the processing of personal data is based on Article 6(1)(f) GDPR, our legitimate interest is the conduct of our business activities for the benefit of the well-being of all our employees and our shareholders.

Period for Which the Personal Data Will Be Stored

The criterion used to determine the period of storage of personal data is the respective statutory retention period. After expiry of that period, the corresponding data is routinely deleted, provided it is no longer necessary for the fulfilment of a contract or the initiation of a contract.

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Statutory or Contractual Requirements for the Provision of Personal Data; Necessity for Conclusion of Contract; Obligation of the Data Subject to Provide the Personal Data; Possible Consequences of Failure to Provide Such Data

We inform you that the provision of personal data is partly required by law (e.g., tax regulations) or can also result from contractual provisions (e.g., information about the contractual partner).

Sometimes, in order to conclude a contract, it may be necessary for the data subject to provide us with personal data that must subsequently be processed by us. For example, the data subject is obliged to provide us with personal data if our company enters into a contract with them. Failure to provide the personal data would mean that the contract with the data subject could not be concluded.

Before providing personal data by the data subject, the data subject must contact one of our employees. Our employee will clarify to the data subject, on a case-by-case basis, whether the provision of personal data is legally or contractually required, or necessary for the conclusion of the contract, whether there is an obligation to provide the personal data, and what the consequences of failing to provide the personal data would be.

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Existence of Automated Decision-Making

As a responsible company, we do not use automatic decision-making or profiling.

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