Patent ID: 7149778

Claim:
A method for automatically detecting unsolicited electronic mail from a mailer and automatically notifying facilitators of the mailer of the unsolicited electronic mail, the method comprising: receiving an electronic mail message from the mailer, wherein the electronic mail message comprises: a body, and a header, wherein the header comprises: routing information meant to indicate routing of the electronic mail message from the mailer, wherein the routing information lists relays that allegedly routed the electronic mail message; recipient information, wherein the recipient information specifies one or more e-mail addresses corresponding to one or more intended recipients; and a purported e-mail address of the mailer; automatically determining the electronic mail message is probably unsolicited using a local open relay list maintained by a local mail system and free from third part information; checking for an open relay in the routing information; determining a facilitating party of the mailer; and automatically reporting information relating to the electronic mail message to the facilitating party.