Community Update on Patent Activity

Dear Blackboard Community,

Today, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a first Office Action in the reexamination proceeding regarding Blackboard's U.S. Patent 6,988,138 ("the '138 Patent").  This Office Action was expected and is the first step in a reexamination process that often takes years to complete.  It has no effect on the validity of the patent, the lawsuit between Blackboard and Desire2Learn or the pending injunction against Desire2Learn.

We remain very confident in the strength of our patent and have provided more information about today's announcement should you have questions.  Please see www.blackboard.com/patent for more information.