Circle’s 1,000-patent deal alarms crypto startups

Circle has acquired nearly 1,000 blockchain patents from IBM, giving the USDC issuer what it describes as the largest blockchain patent portfolio in the United States. Summary Circle acquired nearly 1,000 issued patents spanning more than 680 patent families. The portfolio covers blockchain, banking, insurance, cloud security, and enterprise infrastructure. Circle has not disclosed the purchase price or explained whether it could enforce the patents against competitors. CRCL initially gained about 2%, but later fell after Morgan Stanley cut its target to $38. Circle takes control of IBM’s blockchain portfolio Circle announced the acquisition on July 27, saying it had purchased core assets from IBM’s blockchain patent portfolio. The transaction covers more than 680 patent families and nearly 1,000 issued patents worldwide. The intellectual property spans blockchain systems, financial services, banking, insurance, supply-chain verification, enterprise infrastructure, and secure cloud operations. Circle did not disclose the financial terms. Circle said the portfolio would support USDC, the Circle Payments Network, its Arc blockchain, and tools designed for artificial intelligence agen...