Description: A method for administering tests,
lessons, assessments, and surveys on the Internet, scoring them,
and maintaining records of test scores online.
Patent Name: Internet test-taking method.
Patent Number: 6,513,042
Critical Date: February 11, 1999
Crimes against the public domain
- Overbroad patent threatens to chill market for distance learning, online books that include tests, online certification tests, and software testing done via the Internet
- Claims it should receive licensing fees from companies or individuals who administer tests on the Internet
- Has approached various universities, including Regis University and University of Tulsa
- Company reps have told the press that Test.com wants to license or sell its patent to a large company who can wrestle more licensing fees out of groups who do online testing
