Future versions of the Apple Watch could feature a foldable display to rival the functionality of a smartphone, according to a recent patent application by Apple. More about Apple files patent for foldable Apple Watch with two screens
Patent applications have been filed on behalf of a machine called Dabus that used AI to design two products. If successful it is believed that it will be the first time a machine has been recognised as a creator by patent offices. More about First patent applications filed for designs created by AI
Audio brand Master & Dynamic has revealed designs for headphones made from leather that changes colour to match different moods. More about Master & Dynamic unveils design for headphones made from colour-changing leather
US supermarket giant Walmart has filed a patent to create a system of drones that can help customers with price verification and locate products in the store. More about Walmart files patent for drone shopping assistants
Apple is aiming to make messy computers a thing of the past with its latest patent that details ways it plans to stop dust and crumbs falling down the sides of keys. More about Apple files patent for crumb-proof keyboard
Online retailer Amazon has patented a wristband that can monitor the hand movements of its warehouse employees and direct them to items using small vibrations. More about Amazon patents wristband to track productivity and direct warehouse staff using vibrations
Motorola's future phones could be equipped with a self-repair function, which would enable users to fix their damaged screens. More about Motorola files patent for phone that can repair its own screen
Facebook appears to be following in the footsteps of Google by filing its own patent for a modular device designed to be more long-lasting than current smartphones. More about Facebook working on Project Ara-style modular smartphone
Following its proposal for flying warehouses, online retailer Amazon has filed a patent that would see its depots submerged underwater, with items summoned to the surface by acoustic vibrations. More about Amazon files patent for underwater warehouses
Amazon has been awarded a patent for a technology that would enable driverless cars and trucks to navigate reversible lanes. More about Amazon patents highway network to stop self-driving cars crashing
Amazon has filed a patent for huge flying warehouses that could house its fleet of delivery drones. More about Amazon files patent for flying warehouses filled with drones
Brexit: UK design firms might still be able to protect their ideas in Europe's new patent system after Brexit, while students could continue to participate in the Erasmus student exchange programme, it has emerged. More about UK designers could still qualify for European patents and Erasmus exchanges after Brexit
Apple has been granted a patent for a retro-style flip phone with an OLED screen display. More about Apple granted patent for edgeless-screen flip phone
Tech giant Apple has been granted a patent for a keyboard that abandons traditional keys in favour of a "force-sensitive" sheet that could function like an oversized trackpad. More about Apple files patent for customisable keyless keyboard
Google's latest approved patent is for a flexible heads-up display that could be the next version of Google Glass. More about Google granted patent for bendy Google Glass-style device
Google has patented a system that could see its driverless vehicles use object sensors, flashing exterior signage and robotic hands to help make them safer for pedestrians. More about Google's self-driving cars could use robotic hands and eyes to communicate with pedestrians
Plane manufacturer Airbus has continued its run of unusual patent filings, proposing a detachable passenger cabin designed to speed up embarkation. More about Airbus patents removable aeroplane cabins for faster boarding
Plane manufacturer Airbus has applied to patent mezzanine aeroplane seating that would stack passengers on top of one another. More about Airbus files patent for two-storey aeroplane passenger seating
News: Apple has been granted a patent for a wireless headset that mounts an iPhone in front of the eyes, hinting at the company's expansion into virtual reality. More about Apple wins patent approval for wireless virtual reality headset
News: plane manufacturer Airbus has applied for a patent on folding chairs for commercial aircraft with saddles instead of seat cushions. More about Airbus files patent for folding airplane seats