Circle acquires IBM blockchain patent portfolio, becomes top U.S. holder

Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, said it acquired IBM’s blockchain patent portfolio. The deal covers about 680 patent families and more than 1,000 assets globally, spanning foundational blockchain technology, financial and enterprise infrastructure, and security technology. With the acquisition, Circle became the largest holder of blockchain patents in the U.S. Circle shares rose nearly 3% in premarket trading following the news.