Circle Acquires IBM's Blockchain Patent Portfolio
On July 27, Circle Internet Group (NYSE: CRCL) announced the acquisition of IBM’s blockchain patent portfolio, which includes over 680 patent families and nearly 1,000 issued patents globally. The move positions Circle as the largest holder of blockchain-related intellectual property among U.S.-based companies. These patents cover a range of technologies including blockchain infrastructure, banking systems, supply chain verification, and secure cloud operations. The acquisition supports Circle’s broader strategy to expand beyond stablecoins into digital financial services. This follows its earlier purchase in January 2025 of Hashnote, the issuer of USYC tokenized money market fund with $1.52 billion in assets. The company now offers a platform spanning stablecoins, payments networks, and blockchain infrastructure through Arc. Circle’s stock rose by 3.21% to $65.57 at press time, continuing its strong performance since the June 4, 2025 IPO priced at $31 per share.
Topics: blockchain Circle crypto stock IBM patents