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?
Arrow to next box

Box: APIs "used by Microsoft Middleware to interoperate with a Windows Operating System Product" (III.D)
Arrow to next box

Box: "Windows Operating System Product?" (VI.U)
Arrow to decision

Decision: Middleware shipped in Windows box? (VI.U)

• Yes: No APIs
• No: Next decision

Decision: Pre-XP version?

• Yes: No APIs
• No: Next box

Box: "Microsoft Middleware?" (VI.J)
Arrow to next decision

Decision: "Distributed separately from Windows?" (VI.J.1)

• No: No APIs
• Yes: Next decision

Decision: "To update Windows?"

• No: No APIs
• Yes: Next decision

Decision: "Major version?"

• No: No APIs
• Yes: Next box

Box: "Trademarked?" (VI.J.2)
arrow to next decision

Decision: "Generic or descriptive term with Windows® or Microsoft®?" (VI.T)

• Yes: No APIs
• No: Next decision

Decision: Claimed by Microsoft?

• No: No APIs
• Yes: Next box

Box: "APIs"? (VI.A)
Arrow to next decision

Decision: "Interfaces"?

• No: No APIs
• Yes: Next box

Box: "Used to Interoperate"? (III.D)

• No: No APIs
• Yes: Next box

Box: Security-Related? (III.J)
arrow to next decision

Decision: "Would compromise" security? (III.J.1)

• Yes: No APIs
• No: Next decision

Decision: "Reasonable business need"? (III.J.2)

• No: No APIs
• Yes: Next decision

Decision: "Planned or shipping product"?

• No: No APIs
• Yes: Next decision

Decision: "Authenticity and viability of business"?

• No: No APIs
• Yes: Next decision

Decision: "Verification and compliance testing"?

• No: No APIs
• Yes: Final box

Final box: Disclosable APIs for maximum four year period

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