Circle Acquires IBM Blockchain Patent Portfolio, Bolsters Onchain Infrastructure
Circle, the stablecoin issuer and developer of onchain financial infrastructure, has made a significant move in its expansion strategy by acquiring IBM's blockchain patent portfolio. The acquisition includes more than 680 patent families and nearly 1,000 issued patents covering various technologies such as blockchain, banking, financial services, enterprise infrastructure, supply chain verification, and secure cloud operations.
The company stated that this acquisition makes it the largest holder of blockchain patents in the United States, supporting its long-term development of internet-native financial infrastructure. Circle plans to explore additional commercial opportunities with IBM, further solidifying its position in the industry.
Sarah Wilson, Circle's General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, emphasized the importance of intellectual property in advancing the company's mission to expand adoption of onchain financial infrastructure. She noted that IBM's long history of technological innovation will help Circle develop infrastructure for global, internet-native finance.