Most, if not all, digital storage media use the FAT file system "invented" for the Microsoft DOS operating system.
Microsoft has reportedly now decided to immediately begin charging $.25 per use or a maximum of $250,000 per manufacturer, for it's use.
While this will probably mean little to you and I, I just can't help wondering if Bill Gates, Mr. nth richest man in the universe, really needs the quarter?
Before you say so, yes, this is a free market and yes, Bill owns the patent on this, and yes, he can charge whatever he likes for it. That doesn't make him any less of a butthead for doing so. Customer relations is also a part of business. Accountants even quantify a company's "good name" and count it as an asset .
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0312/03120403microsoftisfat.asp
