Circle Scoops Up Nearly 1,000 IBM Blockchain Patents

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

The acquisition positions Circle as the leader in blockchain patent holdings in the United States, according to a statement by the company. The portfolio's focus on supply chain applications aims to increase transparency in tracking products across numerous intermediaries.

IBM's blockchain efforts have slowed in recent years, with fewer than 500 blockchain-related patents filed between 2018 and 2019, said research firm GreyB.

'This acquisition expands Circle's ability to advance the infrastructure that powers global, internet-native finance,' said Sarah Wilson, general counsel and corporate secretary at Circle.