

You can create archives in RAR, RAR5, ZIP formats, encrypt files, and much more. WinRAR is more than just a utility tool that can compress and extract files. What is WinRAR? And Why You Need it in 2023

GraniteStateColin said:By the way, 7z, which is definitely open source, does yield better compression (smaller files) than RAR or others. It's basically 7zip that works with the new Windows 11 File Explorer and shell.

A patent can't reach backwards past that 20 year lifespan, but it could cover newer improvements since 2003.īy the way, 7z, which is definitely open source, does yield better compression (smaller files) than RAR or others. If the current most effective RAR compression methods are still covered under patent, legally, MS would need to license it from the owner to use that version. However, I see the date of its release is 1993, so with a 20-year patent life, even if it had been patented, at least older versions would be in the public domain by now (newer updates could still be protected). If only copyrighted, MS could reproduce it as long as they don't use the owner's source code. GraniteStateColin said:In a quick search, I couldn't find anything that says RAR is patented, only copyrighted.
