You win some you loose some, while I'm not a fan of Microsoft's business or technologies I'd march with them against software patents.

Microsoft should sue whoever they paid money to to licence the MP3 technology in the first place. Presumably whoever they licenced it from was not the owner which seems to be where the confusion has arisen.

Martin,

unfortunately I don't think they would be marching with you . . http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2006/mar06/03-065000PatentPR.mspx

Now you know why Windows Vista is so expensive...

You can argue this is why many music sites use DRM laden formats and not MP3. The MP3 licence holders are greedy and will sue anyone providing MP3 downloads.