Circle Snaps Up IBM's Blockchain Patent Portfolio
Circle Internet Group has acquired assets from IBM's blockchain patent portfolio in a bid to expand its intellectual property holdings.
The portfolio includes more than 680 patent families and nearly 1,000 issued patents worldwide covering core blockchain technology, banking, financial services, insurance, enterprise infrastructure, supply chain verification, and secure cloud operations.
Circle said the acquisition makes it the largest holder of blockchain patents in the United States. The company plans to use the expanded patent portfolio to support products including USDC, Circle Payments Network, Arc, as well as its lineup of on-chain products and agent financial tools.
The deal also includes a plan for further business opportunities between the two companies. According to Circle's General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Sarah Wilson, 'Intellectual property is critical to advancing our mission and expanding adoption of on-chain infrastructure.'