Microsoft Corp. today announced an expanded intellectual property (IP) policy to provide the IT industry with increased access to Microsoft's growing IP portfolio. Based on broad consultation with others in the industry, the IP policy streamlines Microsoft� licensing programs to provide broader availability to Microsoft's IP portfolio, furthering interoperability with other technologies and reinforcing the company's commitment to innovation. The policy also broadens Microsoft's commitment to provide the academic community with IP under royalty-free terms for noncommercial use. The policy was announced in conjunction with two new IP licensing programs: one for ClearType� technology and the other for Microsoft's File Allocation Table (FAT) file system.

"Many in the industry have been asking Microsoft to clarify our licensing policy and to provide broader availability to our IP portfolio," said Brad Smith, general counsel and senior vice president at Microsoft. "The changes we are announcing today will promote greater collaboration across our industry, and we look forward to partnering with a broad range of companies."