Though I agree that the recent NEWS release is somewhat cryptic in its design (not 100% certain that 100nm has already been achieved), the following quote also makes one ponder:
"The 100-nm initiative reduces the feature size of key POET devices down to the 100-nm range. In the course of this program, the technical team developed numerous processes critical to the practical application of POET, which will now form the basis of several new patent applications."
If MS8 wasn't achieved, then they must be close as new patents seem to be in order.
Hopefully 3rd party validation is close (i.e. hopefully a PDA is signed).
Sandman