Microsoft has patented the task list window for use in an integrated development environment:
A method, apparatus, and software are disclosed for assisting a software developer in managing tasks to be completed by providing a task list as a unified location for developers to locate errors and warnings in code, as well as specify user-defined tasks. The task list is updated in “real time” as the developer completes tasks and generates new tasks.
It’s developer specific, so everyone on the planet may not be sued.
(via slashdot)
