August 11, 2006

Blackboard Sues Rival Over Alleged Patent Infringement

By DAN CARNEVALE

Blackboard Inc. has sued a rival in the business of e-learning software, Desire2Learn Inc., accusing it of infringing a patent recently awarded to Blackboard.

Blackboard is seeking an undisclosed amount of damages and royalty payments. But some education observers fear that Blackboard's patent may be so broad that it could stifle competition.

The patent, for which Blackboard filed in 1999, was granted in January. Matthew Small, senior vice president and general counsel for

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