Decision Tree For Determining Whether APIs Are Disclosable
Figure 1: This image depicts a decision tree for determining whether APIs are disclosable. Caption: All italicized standards/definitions subject to Microsoft unilateral discretion Box: Are APIs Disclosable? Box: APIs "used by Microsoft Middleware to interoperate with a Windows Operating System Product" (III.D) Box: "Windows Operating System Product?" (VI.U) Decision: Middleware shipped in Windows box? (VI.U)
Decision: Pre-XP version?
Box: "Microsoft Middleware?" (VI.J) Decision: "Distributed separately from Windows?" (VI.J.1)
Decision: "To update Windows?"
Decision: "Major version?"
Box: "Trademarked?" (VI.J.2) Decision: "Generic or descriptive term with Windows® or Microsoft®?" (VI.T)
Decision: Claimed by Microsoft?
Box: "APIs"? (VI.A) Decision: "Interfaces"?
Box: "Used to Interoperate"? (III.D)
Box: Security-Related? (III.J) Decision: "Would compromise" security? (III.J.1)
Decision: "Reasonable business need"? (III.J.2)
Decision: "Planned or shipping product"?
Decision: "Authenticity and viability of business"?
Decision: "Verification and compliance testing"?
Final box: Disclosable APIs for maximum four year period |