Microsoft's teen adversary sells on eBay 
Canadian teen Mike Rowe, who fought Microsoft Corp. over his internet domain name mikerowesoft.com, is winning on eBay. The 17-year-old, who lives in Victoria, British Columbia, had created the domain name to host his fledgling web development business, but his namesake combined with “soft” had Microsoft lawyers knocking at his door. Microsoft threatened to sue Rowe over alleged copyright infringement and offered him $10 to cover internet registry costs. When Rowe turned the computer giant down, he made headlines. He ended up settling for expenses incurred, free Microsoft certification training and an X-box video game system. The enterprising teen has not stopped there. Rowe put a 25-page letter from Microsoft, a book outlining his case to the World Intellectual Property Organization and email correspondence between himself and Microsoft lawyers on eBay, raking in some more money.

Aussies raid Kazaa office in copyright tiff
The Australian recording industry took its frustration with internet piracy to the offices of online file-swapping network Kazaa on Friday. Investigators raided Kazaa’s Sydney offices searching for evidence supporting copyright infringement allegations. The raid was legitimized under a rarely used law, Anton Pillar, which allows litigants involved in civil copyright cases to collect evidence. The Federal Court gave major record labels permission to raid 12 places in three states to gather evidence against Kazaa, according to Michael Speck, general manager of Music Industry Piracy Investigations. Speck said the recording industry is expected to launch a civil action against Kazaa in the Federal Court on Tuesday. Sharman Networks said in a statement that it was complying with court orders but meant to appeal them, saying the action seems to be a waste of time, money and resources going over ground that has been covered by U.S. and Dutch courts.

Coming soon to Metro: High-tech ads
If riding the Washington, D.C., Metro and reading a book make you ill, here’s another way to keep occupied: Metro passengers will soon be seeing short movies, intricate ads and even on-board video advertisements. The transit company has given preliminary approval to the new plans, which also will have to meet the approval of the Metro board Feb. 19. These plans may require an increase in fares to offset the costs. Traditionally, Metro has kept commercialism to a minimum, depending on revenue from fares and taxpayer subsidies to keep its high-arching stations and carpeted trains looking good. But Metro has made the move to high-profile advertising to balance increasing employee healthcare costs and other economic demands. Fare increases are scheduled to take effect July 1, rising 15 to 30 cents. Non-rush hour increases will range from 5 to 20 cents.