Popular skinner Kol, was asked by Microsoft to take down his Vista Windowblind and Visual Style.
MS claims that he was infringing on their copyrights, and he has complied, removing the skins from Wincustomize, Deviantart, and other sites.
With six more VIsta-style WB skins showing on Wincustomize https://www.wincustomize.com/Skins.aspx?LibID=1&view=1&sortby=4&sortdir=DESC&p=1&advanced=0&searchtxt=vista how does one skinner get targeted?
While I understand the need to protect copyrights and trademarks, I'd think M$ would chalk it up to "fan art" and be glad for the exposure.
During development for the Xbox360, Microsoft hired outside designers to improve the visual appeal of their next generation console. More recently they hired "GUI Guru" Bill Buxton http://news.zdnet.com/2100-3513_22-6001234.html to polish up their software interfaces.
All that makes it seem a little odd that they would target one of the most popular skins on the 'net for removal.