Are there legal limits for filename extensions for proprietary software?

Question

I wanted to create a file format for describing nests of files for ease of access with my application. I discovered the extension I thought of to go with my naming scheme was in use by a megacorporation for one of their many pieces of software. What liability would I face for using this file extension, and would it be better to adjust it than attempt to solve any future conflicts?

theGeatZhopa · Accepted Answer

Worry a lot :) your extension might just wrongly open with an wrong Software because it's associated/linked just to that program. Like .doc is linked to Word.So it's better to choose w unique extension. Since we're out of 8.3 era - nothing holds you from the 8.4 or xxx.5 scheme. The only thing is to keep an eye onto what filesystems can take. NTFS is suitable for 256 characters, but I'm not sure if the dot and extension is within this maximum or not.

wmf · Answer

Don't worry about it; every extension is already used by multiple apps.

brudgers · Answer

Make a choice one way or the other and move on. You've already spent too much energy on it. Good luck.