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# Blackboard patent reconsidered; next, all software patents please
- URL: https://werd.io/blackboard-patent-reconsidered-next-all-software-patents-please/
- Published: 2007-01-29T16:08:03.000Z
- Updated: 2025-06-12T11:01:05.000Z
- Author: Ben Werdmuller
- Tags: General, #ben-684a32da145d7d001be71dae, #Migrated-1749693130536, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2025-06-11 21:52

[Blackboard's patent is being reconsidered.](http://www.groklaw.net/article.php?story=2007012520202052) The prior art built up following the original lawsuit and presumably cited in this request is [not inconsiderable](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History%5Fof%5Fvirtual%5Flearning%5Fenvironments), so this is good news for Moodle and the like. I'd be very surprised if the patent wasn't withdrawn.

Of course, [software patents as a whole are probably unviable](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software%5Fpatent%5Fdebate#Arguments%5Fagainst%5Fpatentability). This is a wider issue than VLEs, and not one that's going to lie down quietly considering the amount of money involved. Consider the argument ongoing - but this is another example in a long line of patents that can't be adequately defended.

As an aside, [Groklaw](http://www.groklaw.net/) is an excellent site for keeping track of software-related legal issues. Check out [the Hallowe'en memo](http://www.groklaw.net/article.php?story=20070127202224445), verified authentic at last!