 The domain name MikeRoweSoft.com was initially registered by Canadian student Mike Rowe in August 2003 . Rowe set up the site as a part @-@ time web design business , choosing the domain because of the phonetic pun by adding the word " soft " to the end of his name . Microsoft saw the name as trademark infringement because of its phonetic resemblance to their trademarked corporate name and demanded that he give up the domain . After receiving a letter on January 14 , 2004 from Microsoft 's Canadian legal representatives Smart & Biggar , Rowe replied asking to be compensated for giving up the domain . 
