>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.


I'm going to give you some friendly, unsolicited advice.

You clearly are a highly skilled and talented individual. How you choose to use your talents and expend your effort is entirely your decision.

At any one time, people can observe from the periphery how someone is spending their efforts and make "armchair" judgments. And armchair judgments are often (but not always) superficial.

Having said that, sometimes you have to sit back and do a sanity check on what is truly important. Sure, those things evolve over time, and we've all had our share of flashpoints. This is my way of saying that letter from MS is a sign that you should redirect your energies.

Just my two cents. I know that "dropping something" is an extremely tough thing to do, but I think you'll be better off if you do.



And look, I'll ever start - JR...I forgive you for misrepresenting the MS org chart in 2007. :)