[dundee] Microsoft's FAT File Patents Upheld

[Paul Mitchell]

This is not good news. The article on the URL below is dated 11 January.

Here's a snippet;

<snip>

Patent watchdogs expressed dismay over the USTPO ruling, arguing that 
Microsoft could use the decision to cause major headaches to Linux vendors 
and users by demanding payment for use of the technology in existing 
products. Florian Mueller, founder of the NoSoftwarePatents.com Web site, 
which scrutinizes patents in the European Union, said the ruling sets a 
dangerous precedent even if Microsoft doesn't pursue such a strategy, and 
that it illustrates a desire on the part of the software company to become 
more disruptive to open-source efforts.

</snip>

http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1909857,00.asp