Circle Acquires IBM's Blockchain Patent Portfolio With Nearly 1,000 Patents

Circle, the issuer of USDC, announced on Monday the acquisition of IBM's blockchain patent portfolio. The portfolio comprises more than 680 patent families and nearly 1,000 issued patents worldwide. Circle stated the acquisition positions it as the leader in blockchain patent holdings in the United States. The transaction supports Circle's foundation for building the internet financial system, though no financial details were disclosed. CRCL stock price was up more than 2% in premarket activity on Monday following the announcement, according to Yahoo Finance data.

Patent Portfolio Details

The acquired portfolio includes more than 680 patent families and nearly 1,000 issued patents worldwide. Circle said the acquisition positions it as the leader in blockchain patent holdings in the United States. The intellectual property position directly supports the fintech's foundation for building the internet financial system. No financial details for the transaction were disclosed in Circle's announcement.

IBM's Blockchain Patent History

IBM's blockchain focus has leaned heavily into supply chain applications, which seek to increase transparency in tracking products across numerous intermediaries. In recent years, IBM has slowed its patent filings from peak years 2018-2019, when more than 500 blockchain-related patents were filed, research firm GreyB said.

Strategic Implications for Circle

"IBM has been a pioneer in technological innovation, and 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. The acquisition strengthens Circle's position in developing internet-native financial infrastructure through expanded intellectual property holdings.

FAQ

What did Circle acquire from IBM on Monday? Circle acquired IBM's blockchain patent portfolio, which comprises more than 680 patent families and nearly 1,000 issued patents worldwide. The acquisition positions Circle as the leader in blockchain patent holdings in the United States.

Why did Circle acquire IBM's blockchain patents? Circle stated the acquisition supports its foundation for building the internet financial system. According to Sarah Wilson, Circle's general counsel, the acquisition expands Circle's ability to advance the infrastructure that powers global, internet-native finance.