Just when I thought patents couldn't get dumber, I ran across the asinine patent that Blackboard was granted. Did they patent any software or hardware? Heck no - they patented an idea:

Blackboard's patent doesn't refer to any device or even specific software code. Rather, it describes the basic framework of an LMS. In short, Blackboard says what it invented isn't learning tools like drop boxes, but the idea of putting such tools together in one big, scalable system across a university.

How can you tell when a company is busy being a patent troll? Why, when they feel forced to issue statements like this one:

"Blackboard is not a troll," he said, referring to the term for companies that establish a patent but don't use it except to exact royalties from others. "We're not trying to put anyone out of business. We're not trying to hinder innovation. We're seeking a reasonable royalty."

I think I'll create a flowchart of the "stupid patent process", and apply. Then, whenever a set of morons like Blackboard tries to patent an idea, I'll sue for infringement. The sad thing is, given the clear stupidity of the US PTO, I'd probably stand a decent chance of getting the patent...

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