Microsoft is expanding its Xbox blockchain platform to allow gaming partners and content creators to track their royalties on a blockchain-based system that utilizes smart contracts for faster and more transparent execution. It's not a surprise that Microsoft is always working on new developments, but these specific updates may have been quite foreseeable — if you know where to look.

Of the patent applications that Microsoft filed in 2019 four (4) were directed to smart contracts, including one for a user interface for interacting with smart contracts. Four (4) more applications describe an "asset token" representing a real-world asset that is customizable, reusable, monetizable, and extensible. A real-world asset can be any number of things, including digital media and rights to creative content. These technologies are applicable to many fields, and the patent data shows that Microsoft is investing in intellectual property before releasing new products. Blockchain and cryptocurrency are quickly-evolving sectors, and you can monitor more new technologies before they hit the market on our Patent Forecast®.