Circle Acquires IBM Blockchain Patent Portfolio

Circle Internet Group has expanded its blockchain patent holdings by acquiring over 680 patent families and nearly 1,000 issued patents from IBM's blockchain patent portfolio.

The acquisition includes patents covering various aspects of blockchain technology, such as banking, financial services, insurance, enterprise infrastructure, supply chain verification, and secure cloud operations.

This move positions Circle as the largest blockchain patent holder in the United States and strengthens its technological foundation for its suite of onchain products and agentic financial tools.

The company intends to explore additional commercial opportunities with IBM following the acquisition, suggesting a potential ongoing relationship between the two companies.