Software Patents for Higher Education ICPL August 12, 2008.

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Software Patents for Higher Education ICPL August 12, 2008

Transcript of Software Patents for Higher Education ICPL August 12, 2008.

Page 1: Software Patents for Higher Education ICPL August 12, 2008.

Software Patents for Higher Education

ICPLAugust 12, 2008

Page 2: Software Patents for Higher Education ICPL August 12, 2008.

The Wisconsin Experience Set Against a Little History

Page 3: Software Patents for Higher Education ICPL August 12, 2008.

July 26, 2006

Blackboard files a patent infringement lawsuit against Desire2Learn (D2L) claiming that D2L was infringing its patents—all 44 claims of

patent number 6,988,138.

Blackboard files a patent infringement lawsuit against Desire2Learn (D2L) claiming that D2L was infringing its patents—all 44 claims of

patent number 6,988,138.

This is the opening day of the 2006

Desire2Learn annual users conference.

Page 4: Software Patents for Higher Education ICPL August 12, 2008.
Page 5: Software Patents for Higher Education ICPL August 12, 2008.

19 months later…February 22, 2008

A jury in the Eastern District of Texas handed down its verdict that Blackboard’s patents are valid and

that Blackboard should be awarded damages of approximately $3

million from D2L.

A jury in the Eastern District of Texas handed down its verdict that Blackboard’s patents are valid and

that Blackboard should be awarded damages of approximately $3

million from D2L.

“There is no immediate threat to you our clients. We will

work with you to ensure there are no future issues.” –John

Baker

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LISA-BLISA-BLISA-BD2LD2L

Page 7: Software Patents for Higher Education ICPL August 12, 2008.

March 10, 2008

• MarThe Court issues a judgment and permanent injunction that prohibits

D2L from using or selling version 8.2.2 and earlier version in the US. Enforcement is stayed for 60 days,

or until May 10, 2008.

The Court issues a judgment and permanent injunction that prohibits

D2L from using or selling version 8.2.2 and earlier version in the US. Enforcement is stayed for 60 days,

or until May 10, 2008.

D2L announces it will release a redesigned product in the next few weeks that “leaves

no doubt as to noninfringement.”

Page 8: Software Patents for Higher Education ICPL August 12, 2008.

LISA-BGeneral Counsel

LISA-BGeneral Counsel

D2LD2L

EDUCAUSEEDUCAUSE

LISA-BLISA-B

Page 9: Software Patents for Higher Education ICPL August 12, 2008.

BTW…March 25, 2008

The US Patent Office rejects all 44 claims associated with

Blackboard’s patent (not a final ruling).

The US Patent Office rejects all 44 claims associated with

Blackboard’s patent (not a final ruling).

Page 10: Software Patents for Higher Education ICPL August 12, 2008.

Back Home with Version 8.3

Page 11: Software Patents for Higher Education ICPL August 12, 2008.

April 24, 2008

Blackboard General Counsel calls D2L clients

Blackboard General Counsel calls D2L clients

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April 25, 2008

LISA-B institutions send letters to

Blackboard and D2L asking that the companies take

immediate action to mitigate

consequences for university customers.

LISA-B institutions send letters to

Blackboard and D2L asking that the companies take

immediate action to mitigate

consequences for university customers.

UW System General Counsel sends letter

to D2L General Counsel asking for

assurances from D2L.

UW System General Counsel sends letter

to D2L General Counsel asking for

assurances from D2L.

Page 13: Software Patents for Higher Education ICPL August 12, 2008.

May 6, 2008

The Judge granted an extension of the stay of the injunction through June 11. D2L was ordered to pay $194,769 into an escrow account

for the benefit of Blackboard.

The Judge granted an extension of the stay of the injunction through June 11. D2L was ordered to pay $194,769 into an escrow account

for the benefit of Blackboard.

Page 14: Software Patents for Higher Education ICPL August 12, 2008.

May 22-26

UW System upgrades toversion 8.3.

UW System upgrades toversion 8.3.

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May 29, 2008

Page 16: Software Patents for Higher Education ICPL August 12, 2008.

LISA-BGeneral Counsel

LISA-BGeneral Counsel

D2LD2L

LISA-BLISA-B

June 5, 2008

Page 17: Software Patents for Higher Education ICPL August 12, 2008.

June 11, 2008

D2L wires $3,313,552.40 to Blackboard for full

payment of the judgment.

D2L wires $3,313,552.40 to Blackboard for full

payment of the judgment.

Page 18: Software Patents for Higher Education ICPL August 12, 2008.

June 19, 2008

Blackboard files Motion of Contempt claiming version 8.3 is in

violation of the patent.

Blackboard files Motion of Contempt claiming version 8.3 is in

violation of the patent.

Page 19: Software Patents for Higher Education ICPL August 12, 2008.

Almost 2 years from the beginning…July 21, 2008

The Court denies Blackboard’s Motion for Contempt.

The Court denies Blackboard’s Motion for Contempt.

This is the opening day of the 2008

Desire2Learn annual users conference.

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http://www.desire2learn.com/patentinfo/