You can freely build on How Websites Remember You Using Stored Data

What this patent covers

This patent describes a way for websites to remember information about you between visits. When your web browser (the client) asks for a webpage from a website (the server), the server can send back not just the page, but also a small data package called a 'state object.' This object contains specific details, like your preferences or a unique identifier. Your browser then stores this object. Later, when you visit the same website again, your browser sends this stored 'state object' back to the server with your request. This allows the website to recognize you or recall your settings, making your experience more personalized and efficient. For example, it could remember that you've already logged in or that you prefer a certain layout.

What is now free to use

All 0 claims of US 5774670 are in the public domain. Specifically:

The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.

What is NOT covered

Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.

• Does not cover methods where the website doesn't send any data to be stored on the client.

• Does not cover methods where the client doesn't store the received data.

• Does not cover methods where the client doesn't send the stored data back to the server on subsequent requests.

• Does not cover state objects that lack specific attributes like domain or expiration.

• Does not cover scenarios where the state object is not transmitted back to the server only when the server is within a defined domain.

Who is building on this today

The fundamental principles described in this patent are implemented across virtually all web browsers and web servers today. Major browser developers like Google (Chrome), Apple (Safari), Mozilla (Firefox), and Microsoft (Edge) all build systems that adhere to these concepts. Similarly, web server technologies from Apache to Nginx and cloud platforms like AWS and Azure facilitate this data transfer.

Products built on expired version of this technology

How to cite this patent in your documentation

Netscape Communications Corp. US Patent 5774670. Persistent client state in a hypertext transfer protocol based client-server system. Granted 1998, expired 2015. Now in the public domain.

Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.

PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.