Circle Soars to Blockchain Patent Leadership with IBM Portfolio Acquisition

Circle Internet Group has acquired a vast blockchain patent portfolio from IBM, giving it over 1,000 issued patents worldwide. The deal comprises more than 680 patent families and covers foundational blockchain technology, banking, financial services, insurance, enterprise infrastructure, supply chain verification, and secure cloud operations.

The acquisition makes Circle the leading US blockchain patent holder, according to the company. It supports its work on USDC, Circle Payments Network, and Arc, an enterprise blockchain in development. The patents were purchased from IBM's portfolio without disclosing financial terms.

Circle said it plans to explore additional commercial opportunities with IBM. Sarah Wilson, Circle's general counsel and corporate secretary, stated that intellectual property is critical to advancing the company's mission and expanding adoption of onchain infrastructure.