Ripple Drops Cross‑Appeal, Ends SEC XRP Lawsuit

Ripple Ends SEC XRP Lawsuit by Withdrawing Cross-Appeal

Ripple Labs has officially withdrawn its cross-appeal in the long-running legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), effectively concluding more than four years of litigation over the XRP token.

Background of the Dispute

The SEC originally filed suit in late 2020, alleging that XRP sales constituted unregistered securities offerings. In July 2023, a federal judge ruled that XRP sales on public exchanges did not meet the criteria of a security under the Howey test. However, token sales to institutions still fell under the securities definition.

Ripple’s Cross-Appeal

Following the 2023 verdict, Ripple lodged a cross-appeal aimed at overturning aspects that left institutional XRP sales classified as securities, as well as targeting procedural issues in the court’s summary judgment. Ripple has now confirmed it will drop the cross-appeal, closing the book on the contested lawsuit.

Implications for the Crypto Ecosystem

With its appeal withdrawn, Ripple secures clarity around XRP’s status in the retail marketplace. The company has invested heavily in its legal defense over the past four years—estimated at more than $100 million. The withdrawal also removes a major regulatory uncertainty for XRP and the broader cryptocurrency sector.

What Comes Next

The July 2023 ruling remains in effect: XRP can trade freely on public exchanges, but institutional sales continue to be scrutinized under securities regulations. Ripple is now well-positioned to focus on product development and global expansion without the cloud of ongoing litigation.