Update: Just had a detailed look at the patents. See the following claim: “A system comprising: one or more computer-readable media; computer-readable instructions on the one or more computer-readable media which, when executed, implement: an RSS platform that is configured to receive and process RSS data in one or more formats; and code means configured to enable different types of applications to access RSS data that has been received and processed by the RSS platform.”
And see this claim as well: “A computer-implemented method comprising: presenting a user interface having a subscription control to enable a user to subscribe to a feed; receiving, via the user interface, a user selection of the subscription control; and responsive to receiving the user’s selection, initiating a feed subscription process.”

In spite of Lyndersay’s denial, the above claims clearly are attempts to patent the RSS processing from any program/platform, as well as the process of subscribing to RSS feeds. Lyndersay seems to be skating on thin ice – if someone can prove me wrong, I will be happy.
The patent applications by Microsoft can be found here and here.

Feedback: please send your feedback at: – we will greatly appreciate it!