Circle Scoops Up Nearly 1,000 IBM Blockchain Patents

Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, 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 a leader in blockchain patent holdings within the United States, according to the company. This move is significant because it directly supports Circle's foundation for building the internet financial system.

IBM's blockchain focus has centered on supply chain applications, aiming to increase transparency in tracking products across multiple intermediaries. In recent years, IBM has slowed its patent filings from peak years 2018-2019, when over 500 blockchain-related patents were filed.