Expired domains used by Name Servers

How long is the domain in never-never land?

[john_k]

I am following a domain that has expired and has a status of REGISTRAR-HOLD, but is utilized by name servers attached to other ACTIVE domains. At least one of the ACTIVE domains that point to the name servers won't expire for several years.

The website name (www.example.com) and MX addresses stopped resolving, but the name server names (ns1.example.com and ns2.example.com) continue to resolve.

From what I can find, this is following ICANN policy. It seems that the actual release of the domain can be held up, but no time period is stipulated or recommended. Does anyone know how long this is likely to continue?

Oh yeah - just to muck up the waters - the contact addresses for all of the domains use the expired domain name, the phone number is fake, the company name is made up (or out of business), and the PO box on the address has been inactive for several years (according to the Post Office).

[chicagohh]

Sometimes registrars will hold the name for a long time. Normally, the names will be in Registrar-hold status for ~ 1 to 3 months unless the owner renews the domain.

I have been following a name in a similar situation for 8 months.