Circle Secures IBM Blockchain Patents to Bolster USDC Dominance

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 technologies such as blockchain, banking, and financial services.

The acquisition makes Circle the leading holder of blockchain patents in the United States, supporting its USDC stablecoin, Circle Payments Network, and Arc blockchain.

Circle General Counsel Sarah Wilson said that intellectual property is critical to advancing the company's mission and expanding adoption of on-chain infrastructure.

Clear Street notes that the patent portfolio gives Circle potential leverage in cross-licensing and partnership negotiations, as well as ammunition in patent litigation.