The File Allocation Table (FAT) file system is now patented to Microsoft. This file storage system was originally developed for DOS and has been acquired in Windows Operating Systems. FAT is also being used in Digital Camera’s memory cards, flash disks and some Linux/UNIX – related products that exchange data with Windows.
After getting the patent, The Giant is now concerned of asking for royalties to all distributors of firmware and software that uses the said technology. This imposes a threat to the Free Software Community.