Support : Publications : Chronolog Archives : Nov/Dec 2002

Domain Names Database Launched

Dialog has launched the Domain Names Database (File 225), which provides comprehensive lookup services for domain names.

A domain name is an alpha-numeric name used to identify a particular computer (usually a Web or e-mail server) on the Internet. Domain names allow Internet users to type in a name (such as http://www.dialog.com), which is "resolved" to a specific, numeric IP address (such as 704.67.54.205). Impractical and difficult as it is to memorize and keep track of a row of randomized numbers, domain names were created to provide an intuitive way to perform Web-related functions, like find Web sites and send e-mail.

Domain names are crucial resources to enterprises, law enforcement and attorneys. Critical to their needs is the ability to perform comprehensive searches on a high-coverage database of the publicly available Whois record — the registration data behind a domain name.

The Domain Names Database: Safe, Easy Navigation of Whois and Historic Whowas Data

What is it?

• A centralized database containing current and historic ownership records of Internet domain names
• Individual domain records with up to 78 indexed data fields
• Functionality that allows searching of ownership records by registrant name, e-mail addresses, phone numbers, zip codes — almost every Whois field.

By using Domain Names Database to search for almost any field across all names, users can:

• Search by an individual's name to create authoritative evidence of bad faith, cybersquatting, or other offense
• Corporations can conduct domain name audits to inventory all domain name assets they own, sorted by registrant or address; track competitor activity
• Perform law enforcement investigations, including cyber-crime

Uses and Benefits of the Domain Names Database

• Disputes: Discover names registered in past by opponent for disputes in UDRP, federal court, state court, WIPO.
• Trademark clearance: Know availability and uniqueness of domains prior to branding and trademark application.
• Due Diligence: Lawyers in mergers and acquisitions and buyers of domain names can search history of registration and attached Web site.
• Law Enforcement: Find correct addresses, other illegal sites, in investigations to enforce laws.
• Corporate Maintenance and Competitive Intelligence: Keep track of corporate assets, protect against non-renewal and theft; track competitors, or possible product launches.

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