A.R.
Typically the original listing agent receives the commission for a certain period of time (example 180 days) after the contract expires. It protects the original agent from being used as a pawn. In other words sellers cannot use a listing agent to find a buyer, allow the contract to lapse and then sell to those buyers without the agent and hence without commissions. You will have to review the language carefully but the protection clause in one form or another is not uncommon. Good luck.