Abstract: A method for providing and managing a top-level domain includes: (a) receiving a first domain name associated with a first object; (b) generating a “Whois” record associated with the received first domain name, the “Whois” record including a plurality of fields associated with the first domain name, the plurality of fields consisting of registration data required for creating the first domain name; (c) expanding the “Whois” record by adding one or more new fields associated with the first object to the “Whois” record, thereby linking the first domain name with the first object, wherein the one or more new fields comprises provenance information and metadata regarding the first object associated with the first domain name; and (d) creating a duplicate record of the “Whois” record in a blockchain system that is linked to the “Whois” record, wherein any changes in the “Whois” record is synced to the duplicate record.

Abstract: A method for providing and managing a top-level domain includes: (a) receiving a first domain name associated with a first object; (b) generating a “Whois” record associated with the received first domain name, the “Whois” record including a plurality of fields associated with the first domain name, the plurality of fields consisting of registration data required for creating the first domain name; (c) expanding the “Whois” record by adding one or more new fields associated with the first object to the “Whois” record, thereby linking the first domain name with the first object, wherein the one or more new fields comprises provenance information and metadata regarding the first object associated with the first domain name; and (d) creating a duplicate record of the “Whois” record in a blockchain system that is linked to the “Whois” record, wherein any changes in the “Whois” record is synced to the duplicate record.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods, non-transitory computer readable media, and devices for providing and managing a Top-Level Domain that uniquely identifies an object or a role The method may comprise linking the domain name with an object (e.g., an artwork) by adding approximately eight additional fields to the domain name “Whois” record. “Whatis” (the combination of existing “Whois” and a number of additional fields) directly links the domain name, the registrant, and an (art) object. Any or all of the additional fields can be employed in many varieties of ways as a link and identification with objects or roles, transferring with the ownership of an object or, say, title or position of a role.