Ripple’s Legal Battle Hits a Procedural Snag
Ripple’s ongoing legal saga with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) encountered a fresh obstacle on May 15, as a federal judge in New York rejected a settlement motion due to procedural missteps. While this development doesn’t overturn Ripple’s previous legal victories, it forces both parties to revisit their approach, potentially delaying a resolution.
Judge Analisa Torres ruled that Ripple and the SEC improperly filed their motion under Rule 60, which requires proof of “exceptional circumstances” to revisit a final court order. The motion aimed to dissolve an injunction and reduce Ripple’s $125 million fine to $50 million. Without meeting the procedural requirements, the judge deemed the motion “procedurally improper” and dismissed it.
Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, clarified on social media that this setback is purely procedural and does not impact the court’s earlier rulings, including the landmark decision that XRP is not a security in programmatic sales.
XRP Price Reacts to Legal Uncertainty
The news of the procedural hiccup sent ripples through the market, with XRP experiencing a 2.5% price drop in a single day. According to CoinGlass data, open interest fell by 9% to $4.90 billion, and long positions worth over $21 million were liquidated as traders scrambled to mitigate losses. Short-term traders are now closely monitoring a key support level at $2.35, which could determine whether XRP rebounds or faces further declines.
This price movement underscores the sensitivity of XRP’s market performance to legal developments, as investors remain cautious amid ongoing uncertainty.
Ripple’s Legal Wins Remain Secure
Despite the procedural setback, Ripple’s previous legal victories remain intact. In 2023, a judge ruled that XRP is not a security in programmatic sales, though institutional sales were classified as securities. This distinction has been a cornerstone of Ripple’s defense and continues to provide a foundation for its legal strategy.
Alderoty emphasized that the recent ruling does not undermine these wins, stating that the issue at hand is limited to procedural concerns regarding the dismissal of Ripple’s cross-appeal.
What’s Next for Ripple and the SEC?
Both Ripple and the SEC must now refile their motion under Rule 60, adhering to the procedural requirements. Legal experts, including attorney Fred Rispoli, have noted that this process will be more complex and time-consuming, potentially pushing any final settlement into late summer or beyond.
For now, traders and investors will be closely watching court calendars and price charts, as the legal battle continues to influence XRP’s market dynamics. While Ripple’s victories provide some reassurance, the road ahead remains uncertain, with both sides preparing for a more rigorous legal process.
Ripple’s legal journey serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between regulatory clarity and market performance in the cryptocurrency space. As the case unfolds, young, crypto-curious investors should stay informed and vigilant, recognizing the broader implications of regulatory decisions on token valuations and industry growth.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice; AI was used to assist in content creation.
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