20040199608 Method for gathering domain name registration information from a registrant via a Registrar's web site

20040199520 Method for checking the availability of a domain name

20040199493 Method for registering a stream of domain names received via a registrar's web site

The '608 application is yet another sad symptom of "bamboozled patent attorney" syndrome, in which a patent attorney thoroughly unfamiliar with the technology at hand manages to draft an outstandingly lame claim. For general amusement purposes, imagine obtaining a patent on this based on an application filed in April 2003:

16. A web site based domain name registration process, comprising the steps of: A) receiving and storing Customer information from a registration application for a Customer during a first session; B) receiving and storing a payment method from the Customer during the first session; C) receiving a desired domain name from the Customer during a second session; D) recalling the stored Customer information and the payment method; and E) registering the domain name in the second session using the recalled Customer information and the recalled payment method.

Paging Bulkregister... dig out your one-click registration process notes circa 2000...

One of the kickers here is that Mr. Ruiz signed a declaration falling within 18 USC 2001 (the federal perjury statute), swearing that he believes he is the first inventor of the subject matter claimed in that application: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/document s/appxr_1_63.htm

That, folks, is impressive chutzpah."