>>Microsoft has replied. Their response is disappointing as it does nothing to settle the matter. It does, however, strongly indicate that Microsoft as a company doesn't care about software with such a limited audience as VFP Advanced's audience. It seems to be a non-concern to them, easily dismissed at a low-level.
>>
>>

* We appreciate you reaching out to Microsoft about this application.
>>* However, we cannot comment on legality because it was created by
>>* a separate entity that is unaffiliated with Microsoft. I recommend
>>* continuing to proceed with caution and perhaps request that the
>>* company provide you with proof of legal ownership as well as
>>* legality of doing business with US customers.
>>* 
>>* Here are a few resources that may be helpful:
>>* https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell
>>* https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/trustcenter/security/cybercrime

>>
>>Proof of ownership is a non-issue. Everyone knows Chen wrote the software.
>>
>>Proof of legality of doing business with US customers ... that's what remains un-addressed, though it seems very clear Microsoft will not care at all if people use it.
>
>Rick, just curious.... was this from their Legal Department with an actual's person's name? I suspect to some it would be helpful to know the persons name and department, or at least their title and department this information was from.

It came from:

[name redacted]
Relationship Manager
CSS CritSit & Escalations - Commercial
Office: +1 [phone number redacted]

[email name redacted]@microsoft.com