On June 30, the Paris-based Tribunal de Commerce ordered eBay to pay $61 million to French luxury goods group LVMH for allegedly allowing the sale of counterfeit goods on its Web site. The ruling raised eyebrows throughout the e-commerce world, especially in light of a similar lawsuit filed against the online auctioneer by Tiffany & Co. in the US.

Looking to capitalize on the enthusi­asm around the recently completed Euro 2008 Tournament soccer championship, Nike is kicking out a mobile camera push to promote a new cleat, dubbed the T90 boot, through an interactive mobile and out-of-home marketing campaign in Hong Kong.

Digital agency Digitas recently enlisted Communispace, a company which creates private online communities to connect businesses and customers, to help optimize InterContinental Hotels Group's loyalty program through the power of consumer feedback. The responses have led to specific changes at IHG, including in their customer materials.

Tourism Australia's has chosen DDB Worldwide to serve as its global creative advertising agency. The appointment of DDB Worldwide completes a global tender process that began in February 2008.

Alterian, a provider of integrated marketing platforms, has acquired Web content management company Mediasurface for $35.6 million. Mediasurface offers content management and executions for Web sites, as well as corporate intranets, extranets and social media networks.

Transcontinental Inc. has appointed Dan Mariani general manager for its database marketing business. In his new role, he will oversee all operations and business development, as well as provide strategic direction for Transcontinental Database Marketing.

Yahoo is expanding its mobile reach globally with a handful of new mobile marketing partnerships. The online company, which has been pursuing the emerging space, has formed strategic mobile advertising partnerships with Maxis Communications Berhad in Malaysia and Idea Cellular Limited in India.

Search engine marketing firm iProspect announced the launch of two new offices in Belgium and Canada on June 16. "What we're trying to do is establish an as-large-as-reasonably-possible geographic footprint," said Robert Murray, president, iProspect.com, which is part of the Isobar global network.

Hainan Airlines, China's fourth largest commercial airliner, has selected Euro RSCG to manage its campaign launching its non-stop flights from Seattle to Beijing - a direct route that has never before been available according to the company.

Staples Inc. and Corporate Express NV have agreed to a $4.8 billion (€3.1 billion) buyout of Corporate Express by Staples. The combination of Staples and Corporate Express is expected to establish a contract business for Staples in Europe and Canada.