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Microsoft Frees exFAT Patents to Open Source

Administrator from GB

engine is a WebmasterWorld Top Contributor of All Time

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One of Microsoft's remaining system patents, exFAT, has been released to open source for Open Invention Network members.

Microsoft is explicitly making its last remaining FAT intellectual property, the exFAT patents, available to Linux and open source via the Open Invention Network (OIN).

[zdnet.com...]

Administrator from JP

bill is a WebmasterWorld Top Contributor of All Time

joined:Oct 12, 2000
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Finally Linux users will be able to access exFAT USB drives and SD cards with ease.

It's nice to see MS working with the open source community rather than its aggressive stance of the past.

Junior Member

joined:June 18, 2013
posts:133
votes: 52

It's nice to see MS working with the open source community rather than its aggressive stance of the past.

I agree, Microsoft seems to have re-invented itself in the last 5 years or so and once again are leading the way. Great suite of new winning products, giving Google a good run for their money.

Now if only Microsoft could come up with a better search engine and better video repository.

tangor

5:23 am on Sept 2, 2019 (gmt 0)

Senior Member from US

tangor is a WebmasterWorld Top Contributor of All Time

joined:Nov 29, 2005
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Playing nice or seeking good pr?

Patents have a shelf life of 17 years ... after that everyone gets a taste. Look like a pr move to me ... "see, we're good guys!" ...

That said, there will be benefits down the line, so this is good news.

graeme_p

9:17 am on Sept 2, 2019 (gmt 0)

Senior Member from GB

graeme_p is a WebmasterWorld Top Contributor of All Time

joined:Nov 16, 2005
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Patents last 20 years from application almost everywhere.

I tried Google whether when MS patents of exFAT expire and just ended up confused.

There are also various games people play with patents.