Licensing Issues

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Last updated: Feb 04, 2014 by Former user (Deleted)
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There are licensing issues related to FAT, particularly relating to Microsoft patents that deal with long file names (LFNs).

Licences for Long File Names (LFNs)

Microsoft announced on 2003-12-03 that it would be offering licenses for use of its FAT specification and "associated intellectual property". The royalty for using LFNs is US $0.25 royalty per unit sold, with a maximum of US $250,000 per license agreement.

Micrium µC/FS is delivered with complete source code for FAT; this includes source code for LFNs. To enable long file names (LFNs), you must set a configuration switch. By setting this switch, you agree to contact Microsoft to obtain a license to use LFNs.

Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT)

Microsoft has developed a new, proprietary file system: exFAT, also known as FAT64. exFAT was designed to handle very large storage media. Microsoft requires a license to make or distribute implementations of exFAT.

Micrium does not offer exFAT in µC/FS at this time.