Blackboard, the powerhouse software used in bazillions of universities to design, implement, and instruct online courses, has been awarded a patent for a yet unnamed "Internet-based technology."

The patent covers technology relating to certain systems and methods involved in offering online education, including course-management and enterprise e-learning systems.

Blackboard (NASDAQ: BBBB) says patents corresponding to this new U.S. patent have been issued in Australia, new zealand and Singapore. Patents are also pending in the European Union, China, Japan, Canada, India, Israel, Mexico, South Korea, Hong Kong and Brazil.

Worldwide, the company says it has more than 30 patents issued and pending.

With millions of people utilizing Blackboard's products, it seems online education will continue to grow.

You can explore Blackboard's many products and services here.

(Image Source: Patent Ease)