Circle Acquires IBM Blockchain Patent Portfolio in Major Expansion

Circle Internet Group has announced the acquisition of IBM's blockchain patent portfolio, expanding its intellectual property to over 680 patent families and nearly 1,000 granted patents. This move positions Circle as the company with the largest number of blockchain patents in the United States.

The acquired assets cover various areas, including blockchain foundational technology, banking, financial services, insurance, enterprise infrastructure, supply chain verification, and secure cloud operations.

This expanded intellectual property will support the development of on-chain products and agent financial tools such as USDC, Circle Payments Network, and Arc.

Circle and IBM plan to explore further commercial cooperation opportunities in addition to this acquisition.