Circle Lands Blockbuster Blockchain Patent Deal from IBM

Circle, the issuer of USDC (USDC), has announced it will acquire nearly 1,000 blockchain patents from IBM. The portfolio includes over 680 patent families and near 1,000 issued patents worldwide.

IBM's focus on blockchain has been in supply chain applications, aiming to increase transparency in tracking products across multiple intermediaries.

The acquisition positions Circle as the leader in US blockchain patent holdings, with a significant intellectual property position that supports its foundation for building an internet financial system.

Circle did not disclose any financial details of the transaction. However, CRCL stock price rose by over 2% in premarket activity following the announcement.