Automaker BMW has filed a patent for a new fastener that takes design cues from its iconic segmented roundel logo. To a casual observer, this might look like a fun, or even novel and worthwhile, secure new fastener innovation. However, digging into the patent reveals that the goal may actually be an anti-competitive and right-to-repair-restricting maneuver. Naturally, sites like iFixIt and Adafruit are irked by the recently unearthed patent application, and the latter has already shown makers can do something about it.
