Neowin reports that Microsoft has filed a patent that reveals Internet Explorer 9 is set to have better tab management options and enhanced functionality.

The patent, spotted by Microsoft MVP Manan Kakkar, describes a system and method for selecting a tab within a tabbed browser. Originally filed in September 2009, the patent reveals that the Quick Tabs feature in Internet Explorer is likely to be enhanced with better functionality and greater tab management options. In Internet Explorer 8 Quick Tabs simply display thumbails of all tabs open with the option to close them individually.

Internet Explorer 9 to enhance tabbed browsing