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
Audio brand Master & Dynamic has revealed designs for headphones made from leather that changes colour to match different moods. More
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
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
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
Motorola's future phones could be equipped with a self-repair function, which would enable users to fix their damaged screens. More
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
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
Amazon has been awarded a patent for a technology that would enable driverless cars and trucks to navigate reversible lanes. More
Amazon has filed a patent for huge flying warehouses that could house its fleet of delivery drones. More
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
Apple has been granted a patent for a retro-style flip phone with an OLED screen display. More
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
Google's latest approved patent is for a flexible heads-up display that could be the next version of Google Glass. More
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
Plane manufacturer Airbus has continued its run of unusual patent filings, proposing a detachable passenger cabin designed to speed up embarkation. More
Plane manufacturer Airbus has applied to patent mezzanine aeroplane seating that would stack passengers on top of one another. More
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
News: plane manufacturer Airbus has applied for a patent on folding chairs for commercial aircraft with saddles instead of seat cushions. More
News: Apple has applied for a patent for a slap bracelet with a video display that could be a blueprint for its much-anticipated "iWatch" concept. More