Circle Acquires IBM Blockchain Patents to Secure USDC's Grip on Global Banking Rails

Circle has acquired nearly 1,000 IBM blockchain patents to further secure its grip on global banking rails. The deal includes over 680 patent families spanning various areas such as blockchain technology, banking, financial services, and supply-chain verification.

The patents will support USDC, Circle Payments Network, Arc blockchain, and other onchain and agentic financial tools. This acquisition makes Circle the leading holder of blockchain patents in the United States.

Circle General Counsel Sarah Wilson stated, 'Intellectual property is critical to advancing our mission and expanding adoption of onchain infrastructure.'

The IBM patents provide potential intellectual-property leverage as stablecoins move beyond crypto trading into settlement, treasury operations, and mainstream payments. Circle will explore additional commercial opportunities with IBM.

USDC's transaction volume has been increasing, reaching a record $1.79 trillion in June, up 63% from May and 125% from the same period last year. The first six months generated about $8.82 trillion, exceeding the $5.8 trillion recorded during all of 2024.

The acquisition gives Circle potential leverage in cross-licensing and partnership negotiations, as well as in patent litigation. However, Clear Street said the IBM relationship also provides strategic optionality through further commercial cooperation with Circle Payments Network and Arc.