Blackboard patenta "los métodos y sistemas de apoyo" a la educación basada en Internet

Al parecer, Blackboard Inc. ha patentado todo lo que tiene que ver con Internet y la educación: "Internet-based education support system and methods".

Puede verse la nota de prensa de la compañía y el documento de preguntas frecuentes (FAQ), en el que se afirma:

Why has Blackboard developed a patent portfolio? We have invested heavily in the research and development of our products (well over $100m). Few other companies have committed such resources to learning technologies designed specifically for educators. Patents help ensure that companies that do not make comparable investments cannot simply rely on copying to develop their products. While we believe that there is a large body of freely available ideas and technology within the industry, we seek to protect our most important technological advances with patents. Globally, we have over 30 patents and patents pending.

Hace unos meses, nos hacíamos eco de la Blackboard Beyond Initiative, un claro ejemplo de innovación y de lo duro que ha investigado en sus productos Blackboard.

Sin duda, este es el principio del fin de Blackboard.

10/8/06: Stephen Downes realiza un seguimiento especial del tema de la patente de BlackBoard y la demanda contra Desire2learn.