What is amazing is that because of the Amiga, we have the version of windows we have today.. Much of what windows does, even long file names, was part of and fully capable even in the first Amiga OS.  These patents are ridiculous and petty.   In reality, years ago I could have proved that Microsoft directly stole my software and made it part of Windows 95. My code was for a tool/utility for the Commodore Amiga that became a best seller.

I had sent Microsoft a copy and we corresponded about possibly including my software in Windows 3.0 which was out at the time.  My software basically gave Windows V3.0 and dos a taskbar, command/start button and many other features it did not have at all.   Shortly after they get the copies I sent, Microsoft all of a sudden says no thanks.   A couple years later imagine my shock when Win 95 is announced and released and I see my work, my invention and my idea now part of the new OS.  To this day I still have the original packaging, code, discs etc of that program and utility I sent them.  in fact it actually still runs even on Windows 7.  *grin* Of course I was young and pretty naive then..  I also did not have anywhere near the power, clout and money that Microsoft had so I could not afford a big time attorney back then.  So Instead I left the industry, closed my development company and went into another career and said screw them.  Now I know I should have sued the pants off them back then.  If this had happened to me today I would have hired a lawyer and went after them.  Regardless, some of these patents and ideas are just plain stupid and should be thrown out.  It is amazing what these companies are doing to the industry and innovation with all these patents and lawsuits..  they are killing it.