Shenmue Dojo

The patent - originally spotted by NeoGAF - describes NFC-style technology that 'tags' individual game copies with information such as whether they have been previously tied to different consoles or user accounts.

The system checks with the tag before playing the game and potentially could block playback of titles that have been purchased second hand.

The filing lines up with previous PS4 rumours claiming that Sony's next console will lock out pre-owned and used games.

The patent reads: "According to the present embodiment, realized is the electronic content processing system that reliably restricts the use of electronic content dealt in the second-hand markets.

"As a result, the dealing of electronic content in the second-hand markets is suppressed, which in turn supports the redistribution of part of proceeds from sales of the electronic content to the developers.

"Though in the following description a game application (AP) is exemplified as the electronic content, the present embodiment is similarly applicable to various kinds of electronic content such as an office suite, images, and music content."

Sony Computer Entertainment America CEO, Jack Tretton has allegedly gone on record that he's against the idea of implementing a used games block, according to a conversation cited by analyst Michael Pachter.

According to Pachter, Tretton's view is that used games are "great for consumers" and to block them would be an "anti-consumer" move. However, it was noted that these are just his personal opinions, and it may well be that Sony Japan, which usually has the last word, feels the opposite.

Employees of studios including Crytek and DICE have said they're open to such a move.

The patent, of course, doesn't guarantee Sony will decide to implement the block.

Other Sony patents unearthed recently include one which describes a system that stops your game and display an advert.

Microsoft has bought promising startup R2 Studios, which has previously worked on media-streaming and space-age home automation technology.

The freshly-inked deal will see R2 Studios' patents put to work in Microsoft's Xbox division, Wall Street Journal reports.

Less than two years old, R2 Studios is headed up by Blake Krikorian, creator of TV-streaming service Slingbox. The business had been working on top-secret technology for displaying digital media on TVs.

It had also previously dabbled in futuristic home automation, and released an Android app that let users remotely control their home's heating and lighting.

Could R2 Studio's technology be used in the next Xbox powered by Kinect 2? Microsoft is expected to announce details of its new console this year, with a release expected in time for 2013's busy holiday season.