Microsoft v. MikeRoweSoft was a 2004 legal dispute between Microsoft and a Canadian Belmont High School student named Mike Rowe, who was 17, over the domain name "MikeRoweSoft.com".[1] Microsoft argued that their trademark had been infringed because of the phonetic resemblance between "Microsoft" and "MikeRoweSoft".[2]
The case received international press attention following Microsoft's perceived heavy-handed approach to a 12th grade student's part-time web design business and the subsequent support that Rowe received from the online community.[3] A settlement was eventually reached, with Rowe granting ownership of the domain to Microsoft in exchange for an Xbox and additional Microsoft products and services.[4]
- ^ Kotadia, Munir (January 19, 2004). "Software giant threatens mikerowesoft". ZDNet. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
- ^ Sieberg, Daniel (January 20, 2004). "Teen fights to keep MikeRoweSoft.com". CNN. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
- ^ Barker, Gary (January 21, 2004). "Teenager takes on a corporate monster". The Age. Melbourne. Retrieved October 2, 2008.
- ^ "Boy swaps MikeRoweSoft for Xbox". BBC News. January 26, 2004. Retrieved October 1, 2008.