Key Deadlines Loom as Legal Battle Reheats

The ongoing legal battle between Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken a new turn. This week, a lead plaintiff filed an appeal against recent court rulings that favored Ripple, adding more complexity to the already intense case.

Let’s break down the latest developments.

Challenging Ripple’s Legal Wins

Lead plaintiff Bradley Sostack isn’t ready to give up. On November 15, 2024, Sostack’s legal team filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. This appeal challenges several key rulings made by a California court.

The issues under appeal include summary judgments, class action certifications, and earlier dismissals. Notably, the appeal revisits Ripple’s legal wins that cleared its executives and affiliates. Central to the case is whether XRP, Ripple’s cryptocurrency, should be classified as a security under U.S. law.

This lawsuit isn’t just about Ripple anymore. It has become a crucial test of how U.S. courts interpret digital assets under securities laws. If the appeal succeeds, it could reshape not only Ripple’s future but also the broader cryptocurrency industry.

Ripple’s Legal Costs Draw Criticism

This has nothing to do with money but a tactical move to keep pressure on Ripple. Even after the win, the legal fight isn’t limited to securities law. Ripple recently submitted a detailed report of its legal expenses, seeking reimbursement for costs incurred during its courtroom battles. However, Sostack has formally objected to these claims.

The objection urges the court to delay any decision on Ripple’s expenses until the appeal is resolved. It also pushes for a reduction or outright rejection of the claimed costs. While the focus seems financial, this is likely a strategic move to maintain pressure on Ripple and keep the litigation alive.

Curious about the Ripple vs. SEC drama? Read XRP price prediction to see how this legal battle could impact XRP’s future growth!

What to Expect Next

So, what happens now? The case is heading to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, where it’ll be reviewed again. For Ripple, it’s one more hurdle as the company also prepares for a critical SEC deadline on January 15.

Meanwhile, some in the crypto community are keeping an eye on SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who’s set to step down on January 20. Could his last days in office bring new challenges for Ripple? It’s hard to say, but the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Ripple’s wins in court have been significant. But this appeal could still shake things up, not just for Ripple but for the future of cryptocurrency regulations.

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