I am wondering if I would need to license the Metro style or if I can just freely use it in my own applications. I mean, is it patented or protected in any way that would prevent me from building my own implementation? I effectively would like to copy the visible part of it.

I like to idea of being able to:

• Provide an interface which is used somewhere else (as in 1 less to learn)
• Use the interface that has been tested for usability (I personally like it)
• Have the possibility of getting free publicity because of implementing full Metro style web application while not associated with Microsoft, etc.