Ripple vs SEC Case: Will the XRP Lawsuit Be Settled or Dismissed Before the Brief Date?

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The long-running legal battle between Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to unfold, capturing the attention of the crypto community, legal experts, and investors alike. With recent developments signaling potential shifts in momentum, many are asking: Will the XRP lawsuit be settled or dismissed before the upcoming brief deadline? This article dives into the latest updates, legal strategies, and expert predictions shaping the future of one of crypto’s most high-profile cases.

Ripple Submits Proposed Schedule for Appeal Brief

In a significant procedural move, Ripple Labs has formally submitted a proposed timeline for filing its appeal brief in the ongoing case against the SEC. On January 24, the company filed a letter with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, requesting April 16, 2025, as the due date for its brief related to both the appeal and cross-appeal.

This request aligns with standard appellate procedures and reflects Ripple’s strategic effort to maintain legal momentum. Notably, both Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and executive chairman Chris Larsen have endorsed the proposed date, signaling unified leadership in navigating this critical phase.

“Under this Court’s Rule 31.2(a)(1)(B), Ripple requests a due date of April 16, 2025 for its brief. I am authorized to state that Appellees Bradley Garlinghouse and Christian A. Larsen join in this request.”

The filing suggests that while procedural timelines are being followed, there remains considerable uncertainty over whether the brief will ultimately be filed—or if the case will be resolved before that point.

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Legal Experts Weigh In: Is a Dismissal or Settlement Imminent?

Despite the formal scheduling, several legal analysts believe the case may not proceed to full briefing. Pro-XRP attorneys and market observers are increasingly optimistic about a potential dismissal or out-of-court settlement.

Attorney Jeremy Hogan, a prominent voice in crypto law, described Ripple’s scheduling request as routine but questioned its necessity. “The only question here is—will the brief need to be filed at all?” Hogan previously predicted the XRP lawsuit could conclude as early as April or May 2025, especially given shifting political and regulatory landscapes.

Another key figure, pro-XRP lawyer Bill Morgan, went further, suggesting that the SEC may be using the appeals process not to win, but to buy time. He speculated that incoming SEC Chair Paul Atkins—a known advocate for market clarity and balanced regulation—might opt to drop the appeal altogether.

Morgan characterized the current phase as “a strategy to negotiate and formalize the SEC’s abject surrender,” pointing to growing pressure on the agency to align with court rulings and reduce regulatory overreach in the crypto space.

SEC Reiterates XRP Is a Security in Opening Brief

Contrary to these optimistic projections, the SEC recently filed its opening appellate brief, reaffirming its long-standing position that XRP is a security. The regulator is challenging Judge Analisa Torres’ July 2023 ruling, which determined that XRP itself is not inherently a security—particularly when sold to retail investors on public exchanges.

The SEC argues that Judge Torres erred in her interpretation of the Howey Test and failed to recognize Ripple’s institutional sales as part of an overarching investment contract. This stance is supported by third-party intervenors like Better Markets, which submitted an amicus brief backing the SEC’s view that Ripple’s XRP distribution constituted unregistered securities offerings.

However, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty dismissed the SEC’s appeal as “a rehash of already failed arguments,” emphasizing that the facts have already been examined and partially ruled in Ripple’s favor.

Core Keywords and Market Implications

This case is more than a legal dispute—it’s a pivotal moment for crypto regulation in the United States. Key terms shaping the narrative include:

These keywords reflect both search intent and market sensitivity. Investors closely monitor developments not only for compliance clarity but also for potential impacts on XRP’s price, exchange listings, and institutional adoption.

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FAQ: Your Questions About the Ripple vs SEC Case—Answered

Will the XRP lawsuit be dismissed in 2025?

While nothing is certain, multiple legal experts believe a dismissal or settlement is possible by mid-2025—especially if leadership changes at the SEC lead to a strategic pivot away from aggressive enforcement in favor of regulatory clarity.

What happens if Ripple wins the appeal?

A full victory would solidify XRP’s status as a non-security for most use cases, potentially opening doors for broader financial integration, ETF applications, and increased institutional investment.

Does the SEC still claim XRP is a security?

Yes. In its opening brief, the SEC maintains that XRP qualifies as a security under federal law, particularly in institutional sales. However, it has not challenged retail sales—a major concession from earlier positions.

How does this affect XRP’s price?

Market sentiment reacts strongly to legal developments. Positive rulings or settlement rumors often trigger price surges, while prolonged uncertainty can suppress volatility and investor confidence.

Could political changes influence the case outcome?

Absolutely. A pro-crypto administration or SEC leadership could deprioritize the appeal, leading to a quiet withdrawal or negotiated resolution—especially if broader regulatory frameworks are being developed.

What’s next after April 16, 2025?

If briefs are filed, oral arguments could follow in late 2025 or early 2026. However, if settlement talks progress, the court may dismiss the appeal without further proceedings.

The Road Ahead: Negotiation, Clarity, or Final Judgment?

While procedural steps continue, the real battlefield may lie beyond the courtroom—in boardrooms, policy discussions, and political transitions. The Biden administration’s term is winding down, and speculation grows over how a potential Trump-led return—or any new administration—might reshape SEC priorities.

With Paul Atkins expected to chair the SEC under certain scenarios, expectations rise for a more balanced regulatory approach. His background suggests support for innovation-friendly policies, which could render continued litigation against Ripple unnecessary—or even counterproductive.

Moreover, repeated judicial pushback against the SEC’s broad interpretation of securities law has weakened its enforcement posture. Other rulings involving tokens like Ethereum and Solana have further eroded the agency’s authority in defining digital assets as securities by default.

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Conclusion: A Case Nearing Its Endgame?

The Ripple vs SEC case has already set landmark precedents in crypto law. Judge Torres’ partial summary judgment—that XRP is not a security when sold to retail investors—remains one of the most significant wins for blockchain firms fighting regulatory overreach.

Now, with briefing schedules set but settlement whispers growing louder, the world watches closely. Whether through dismissal, settlement, or final judgment, 2025 could mark the end of a six-year legal saga that has shaped the trajectory of digital asset regulation in America.

For investors, developers, and policymakers, clarity cannot come soon enough. As the crypto ecosystem matures, so too must its legal frameworks—ensuring innovation thrives within responsible boundaries.