Patent ID: 8769047

Claim:
A system for controlling delivery of a content object over the Internet using a cooperative delivery system, the system comprising: a rules repository having a plurality of control parameters, wherein the plurality of control parameters relate to delivery or caching of content objects; a content delivery network configured to: receive a request for the content object from an end-user system; receive from the rules repository a control parameter, wherein: the control parameter is one of the plurality of control parameters the control parameter provides information about delivery and/or caching of the content object; insert a string into a uniform resource identifier (URI) or a response header of a response for the content object, wherein the string identifies the control parameter; transmit the response for the content object, wherein: the response to the request is routed through a terminal network; and the terminal network is operated by a different entity than an entity that operates the content delivery network; the terminal network configured to: receive the response to the request; identify the string contained in the URI or header of the response; identify the control parameter; and process a delivery or a storage of the content object based on the control parameter.