Circle Acquires Over 680 Blockchain Patents From IBM

Circle Internet Group has acquired over 680 patent families from IBM's blockchain portfolio in a deal that makes it the largest holder of blockchain patents in the United States.

The acquisition includes more than 1,000 issued patents worldwide and covers foundational blockchain technology as well as applications in banking, financial services, insurance, enterprise infrastructure, supply chain verification, and secure cloud operations.

Circle said the patents strengthen the technology foundation underlying its USDC stablecoin, Circle Payments Network, Arc, and broader onchain financial products.

The company also noted that it and IBM plan to explore additional commercial opportunities beyond the patent transfer itself.