Circle acquires IBM blockchain patents, becomes top US holder

The move will help advance products including USDC, Circle Payments Network, Arc and other onchain and AI-driven financial services.

Circle has acquired assets from IBM’s blockchain patent portfolio in a move aimed at strengthening its position in the development of next-generation onchain finance, the company said Monday.

The portfolio includes more than 680 patent families and nearly 1,000 issued patents covering blockchain technology, banking, financial services, enterprise applications, supply chain verification and cloud security.

Following the acquisition, Circle becomes the leading blockchain patent holder in the US, adding intellectual property that supports its plans for expanding digital financial infrastructure.

The company said the patents will contribute to the development of its ecosystem, including USDC, Circle Payments Network, Arc and agentic financial tools, while Circle and IBM explore future commercial opportunities.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

Circle has acquired assets from IBM’s blockchain patent portfolio in a move aimed at strengthening its position in the development of next-generation onchain finance, the company said Monday.

Following the acquisition, Circle becomes the leading blockchain patent holder in the US, adding intellectual property that supports its plans for expanding digital financial infrastructure.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.