Hey this is really interesting isn't it?

Microsoft don't "use" FAT anymore...........but, if they want to enforce patent rights then they implicitly accept responsibility for support?

They were forced by commercial pressure to extend support for Win98 etc. so they really want to dump the old "domestic" line that they did...........so why not dump the file system patent................then they could say:

"It is in the public domain sir, and can be supported by third parties for those willing to pay for that, rather than our excellent new systems"

If they hang on, then they are anal retentives?

[ Please, no comments about Windows and anal retention I don't want to start another OS flamewar]

Marketing considerations would suggest making an apparent "magnanimous jesture"

Ah well, now I have got (gotten) that off my chest, I know I must have remembered to take my cynical pill this morning.........any puns involving "cynical" and "cyanide" will be referred to the RIAA for analysis............I have always wanted an official taster

Seriously, I find it rather interesting, and would love some legal opinions.........particularly as the technology has actually been sold, rather than pre-emptively patented?

Cheers