USDC issuer Circle to acquire nearly 1,000 IBM blockchain patents
Summary
Circle will acquire IBM’s blockchain patent portfolio, adding more than 680 patent families and nearly 1,000 issued patents worldwide. No financial terms were disclosed. The deal would make Circle the leading holder of blockchain patents in the United States and strengthen its intellectual property base for building internet-native financial infrastructure. IBM’s blockchain work has focused largely on supply chain transparency, and its patent activity has slowed since peak filings in 2018–2019. Circle said the acquisition expands its ability to support global fintech infrastructure. CRCL rose more than 2% in premarket trading after the announcement.
