The technical specifications are available to view and download from
MSDN
at no charge. Many of the technical specifications include patented inventions. Rights to implement the technical specifications under some
of those patents are available for no charge under the Open
Specification Promise or the
Community Promise.
The remaining patents are available primarily through three programs, which principally vary with respect to the scope of the protocols and technical specifications covered. For each program, Microsoft makes available lists identifying the patents and patent
applications that cover each of the specifications included.
To access these lists as well as information on patent license agreements or patent covenant agreements, please visit the
Open Specifications website
or email the Open Specifications
Team.