This Cookie Policy explains which cookies and similar technologies prepatent.org uses, why, and how you can control them. We keep cookies to a minimum: the site has no advertising cookies and no analytics installed by default. It should be read together with our Privacy Policy.
Effective date: October 13, 2026
Contents
What cookies and local storage are
Cookies are small text files that a website asks your browser to store. They are sent back to the website on later visits, which lets it remember things such as whether you are logged in or what is in your shopping cart.
- Session cookies are deleted when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies remain until they expire or you delete them.
- First-party cookies are set by the site you are visiting; third-party cookies are set by another domain.
Local storage is a similar browser feature that lets a page save small pieces of data on your device. Unlike cookies, local storage data is not automatically sent to the website’s server.
How we use them
We group the cookies and storage on this site into the following categories:
- Strictly necessary: required for core functions such as security, logging in, the shopping cart and checkout, and remembering your cookie choices. These cannot be switched off in our banner because the site would not work properly without them.
- Functional: remember choices you make, such as saving your name for future comments, or keeping your quiz results and reading progress on your own device.
- Analytics and advertising: none are installed by default. If we add analytics in the future, it will only run after you give consent.
Cookies and storage we use
The table below lists the cookies and storage items used by the site, its theme and its plugins. An asterisk (*) means the name continues with a unique identifier or hash. Durations are typical defaults and may vary slightly with plugin updates or settings.
| Name | Set by | Purpose | Category | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cookieyes-consent | CookieYes | Stores your cookie consent choices so the banner respects them on later visits | Strictly necessary | 1 year |
| wordpress_test_cookie | WordPress | Checks whether your browser accepts cookies, mainly at login | Strictly necessary | Session |
| wordpress_logged_in_* | WordPress | Keeps administrators and customers logged in and identifies who is logged in | Strictly necessary | Session, or 14 days if “Remember me” is selected |
| wordpress_sec_* | WordPress | Stores secure authentication details for logged-in users | Strictly necessary | Session, or 14 days if “Remember me” is selected |
| wp-settings-*, wp-settings-time-* | WordPress | Remembers dashboard and editor interface settings for logged-in users | Functional | 1 year |
| comment_author_*, comment_author_email_*, comment_author_url_* | WordPress | Remembers your name, email and website if you choose to save them when leaving a comment | Functional | About 1 year |
| woocommerce_cart_hash | WooCommerce | Helps WooCommerce detect when the cart contents change | Strictly necessary | Session |
| woocommerce_items_in_cart | WooCommerce | Records whether there are items in the cart | Strictly necessary | Session |
| wp_woocommerce_session_* | WooCommerce | Links your browser to your cart and checkout session | Strictly necessary | 2 days |
| wfwaf-authcookie-* | Wordfence | Lets the Wordfence firewall recognize logged-in users so their legitimate requests are not blocked | Strictly necessary (logged-in users only) | 12 hours |
| pp_reading_list and other pp_* items | Site theme (browser local storage) | Remembers optional preferences such as your quiz results, reading list and reading progress | Functional | Until you clear your browser storage |
A note on the pp_* items
The pp_* items are stored in your browser’s local storage, not as cookies. They stay on your device and are not sent to our server or to anyone else. We cannot see them. Clearing your browser’s site data removes them, and the related features simply start fresh.
Cookies for visitors who are not logged in
Most visitors who are simply reading articles will only receive the consent cookie, and possibly the WooCommerce cart cookies if they add something to the cart. Login cookies, dashboard settings and the Wordfence authentication cookie apply only to logged-in administrators and customers.
Security tools
Wordfence and WP Hide & Security Enhancer protect the site against attacks. Wordfence records IP addresses and request details in its security logs and may block suspicious traffic. These logs are kept on the server and are described in our Privacy Policy.
Third-party cookies and analytics
By default, we do not use Google Analytics, advertising networks, social media tracking pixels or similar third-party tracking cookies.
Some features may involve third parties:
- Payment gateways: when you go to checkout or are redirected to a payment provider, that provider may set its own cookies for security and fraud prevention, under its own policy.
- Gravatar: if comments are enabled, profile images may be loaded from Gravatar, a service of Automattic Inc.
- Embedded content: if an article embeds content from another website, such as a video, that website may set cookies when the content loads.
If we add analytics or other non-essential tools in the future, we will update this policy and the cookie banner, and those tools will only run after you consent.
How to manage your choices
Using our cookie banner
When you first visit, the CookieYes banner lets you accept or reject non-essential cookies, or customize your choices by category. You can change your mind at any time: click the “Cookie Settings” link in the site footer to reopen the banner and update your preferences. Your choice is saved in the cookieyes-consent cookie.
Using your browser settings
All modern browsers let you view, block and delete cookies and site data. Look for the privacy or site data settings in your browser, such as:
- Chrome: Settings, then Privacy and security, then Third-party cookies or Site settings;
- Firefox: Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Cookies and Site Data;
- Safari: Settings or Preferences, then Privacy, then Manage Website Data;
- Edge: Settings, then Cookies and site permissions.
Menu names change between browser versions, so check your browser’s help pages if these steps differ. Clearing “cookies and site data” also clears local storage, including the pp_* items.
Please note that if you block strictly necessary cookies, you may not be able to log in, add items to your cart or complete checkout. If you delete the consent cookie, the banner will appear again on your next visit.
Global Privacy Control
Because we do not sell or share personal data for targeted advertising, and no advertising cookies are used, there is nothing for us to opt you out of. Where the law requires it, we will treat a Global Privacy Control signal as a valid opt-out request.
Changes and contact
We may update this Cookie Policy when we change plugins or features, or when the law changes. The effective date at the top shows when it was last updated.
If you have questions about our use of cookies, email [email protected] or use our contact page. See also our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.