@kuba86 @nixCraft The filesystem is a patent of Microsoft.
## FAT32: Microsoft Patent Status and Open Source Implications
FAT32 is a file system developed by Microsoft, but its patent and open-source status is complex:
### Patent Ownership
1. Microsoft holds patents on certain aspects of the FAT file system, including FAT32
2. These patents have been subject to legal challenges in various countries
3. Microsoft has granted royalty-free licenses for FAT use in some contexts
### Open Source Considerations
1. Basic FAT32 specifications are widely known and implemented in open-source systems like Linux
2. Open-source implementations exist but might potentially infringe Microsoft patents
3. Not truly "open source" in the traditional sense due to patent restrictions
### Practical Usage
- Widely used for universal storage compatibility
- Implemented across multiple operating systems
- Commonly used for removable storage devices and UEFI system partitions
### Legal Nuances
- Patent validity and enforcement vary by jurisdiction
- Some implementations exist in a legal "gray area"
The bottom line: FAT32 is technically proprietary but practically widely accessible, with Microsoft maintaining theoretical patent control.
@uriel @kuba86 @nixCraft FAT related patents expired years ago.