Circle acquires nearly 1,000 blockchain patents from IBM, with industry questioning their defensive value and potential litigation use

Odaily News: Stablecoin issuer Circle has announced the acquisition of nearly 1,000 blockchain-related patents from IBM. Circle has characterized the acquisition as a key step in "advancing global internet-native financial infrastructure," and the company's stock rose approximately 2% following the announcement.

However, analysts remain cautious about the acquisition. IBM's own blockchain business has largely been deemed a failure, with its patent portfolio reflecting patent filing strategies more than genuine technological innovation. There are concerns that Circle may use these patents to file lawsuits against competitors, charge patent licensing fees, or pressure startups, and it is also possible that Circle could transfer them to patent trolls for extortionate enforcement. (Fortune)