The application of US giant Walmart to patent its "Smart Package" system was issued by the USPTO on Thursday March 1st, Fintech Finance reports.

Walmart's "Smart Package" patent uses a Blockchain-based tool to track package content, environmental conditions, location and other details. The device described in the application is intended for use in new technologies such as autonomous vehicles and unmanned drones.

Depending on the application, Blockchain will record the "key addresses along the chain" such as "seller's private address".

In the patent application, Walmart emphasized the need to design a tool offering "greater security in the shipping package in which items are shipped". The request indicates that existing monitoring instruments do not yet provide "such a desired functionality". Walmart filed its "Smart Package" application in August 2017, reports Fintech Finance.

"Smart Package" is not the first instance of Walmart using Blockchain technology. In November 2016, Walmart partnered with IBM to use Blockchain to detect and remove recalled foods from its list of products.

Blockchain technology has been popular with shipping and delivery companies. The US shipping company UPS joined the Blockchain in Trucking Alliance (BiTA) in November 2017. Singapore Port Operator PSA International has entered into an agreement with IBM to test and develop a Blockchain-based supply chain network in August 2017, according to Fintech Finance.

In the United States, the publication of a non-provisional patent application takes place 18 months before its first effective priority date. Once published, a patent application may be used by the USPTO to reject third party patent applications for related technology.