Circle Acquires Nearly 1,000 IBM Blockchain Patents, Industry Worries They May Become Patent Weapons

TechFlow news, August 3, according to Fortune, stablecoin issuer Circle announced the acquisition of nearly 1,000 blockchain-related patents from IBM. Circle officially characterized this acquisition as a significant move to "advance global internet-native financial infrastructure." Following the announcement, the company's stock price rose by approximately 2%. However, analysts have reservations about this acquisition—IBM's own blockchain business has essentially failed, and its patent portfolio reflects more patent filing techniques than genuine technological innovation. There are concerns that Circle may use this batch of patents to initiate lawsuits against competitors, collect patent licensing fees, or pressure startups; nor can it be ruled out that they will transfer them to patent troll companies for extortionate enforcement.