Circle acquires nearly 1,000 blockchain patents from IBM; industry questions its 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 officially characterized the acquisition as an important 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, and its patent portfolio reflects more of patent filing strategies than genuine technological innovation. There are concerns externally that Circle may use these patents to file lawsuits against competitors, collect patent licensing fees, or pressure startups. It is also possible that Circle could transfer the patents to patent trolls for extortionate enforcement. (Fortune)