How to Automatically Track and Act on Internet Domain Name Expirations

This patent describes a system that automatically checks when internet domain names are set to expire, calculates how much time is left, and can notify a user or even try to register the domain once it becomes available.

What it covers

This patent describes a method for automatically monitoring domain name expiration. It involves receiving a WHOIS record for a domain name at a first time, which includes an expiry date (a second time), as described in Claim 1. The system then calculates the time difference between the current time and the expiry date. This calculated time difference is then provided to a 'second entity' (a user or system) who does not have permission to modify the domain's registration information. For example, if a user requests information about 'example.com', the system retrieves its WHOIS record, sees it expires in 30 days, and can then notify the user that 'example.com' is nearing expiration, possibly adding it to a watch list (Claim 5) or even attempting to register it after it expires (Claim 6).

What it doesn't cover

• —A system that only displays a WHOIS record without calculating or providing a time difference value (Claim 1).
• —Monitoring domain names where the user receiving the information has permission to modify the domain's registration (Claim 1).
• —A system that only provides a one-time lookup of an expiry date without determining if it satisfies a condition or monitoring for expiration (Claims 2-5).
• —Monitoring other types of digital assets, such as social media handles or IP addresses, that are not domain names (Claim 1).
• —A system that only notifies the original domain owner about their own domain's upcoming expiration.
• —Attempting to register a domain name that is not determined to be available or soon-to-be available for registration (Claim 6).

The clever bit

The novelty lies in the automated calculation of the time difference to expiration and, crucially, providing this information to a *third party* (a 'second entity') who lacks modification rights, enabling them to monitor and potentially acquire the domain when it becomes available.

Why it matters

This patent provides a foundational method for systems that monitor domain name availability, which is crucial for brand protection, domain investing, and preventing accidental loss of valuable web addresses. By automating the process of tracking expiration dates and taking action, it helps users proactively acquire or protect domain names. This automation reduces the manual effort required to keep track of countless domain expiry dates.

Real-world examples

• 1.Domain expiration monitoring services
• 2.Domain registrars offering 'backorder' or 'drop catching' services
• 3.Tools used by domain investors to find expiring domains
• 4.Brand protection services tracking competitor domain expirations