Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle that could stretch into 2026. If the SEC chooses to appeal the recent court ruling, the resolution of this case might be significantly delayed. Here’s a comprehensive look at what might happen in 2025 and how it could affect Ripple and XRP.

Current Status of the Case

At present, neither Ripple nor the SEC has confirmed their plans regarding an appeal of the court’s recent decision. Both parties have until October 7, 2024, to decide whether they will challenge the ruling. Legal expert Jeremy Hogan has suggested that if an appeal is pursued, the process could extend by up to a year, pushing any final outcome well into 2026.

What Happens If an Appeal Is Filed?

1. Starting the Appeal Process

The appeal process kicks off when the SEC files a notice of appeal. This initial step prompts the Second Circuit Court to draft a briefing schedule. Typically, this schedule is established within 30 to 60 days after the appeal notice is filed, so the first set of briefs could be due by late 2024, potentially around November or December.

2. Ripple’s Cross-Appeal

Should the SEC file an appeal, Ripple is expected to counter with a cross-appeal. This means Ripple would challenge the portions of the case it did not win. This cross-appeal could open up all aspects of the case for review by the appeals court, complicating the process further.

3. Delays and Extensions

It’s not unusual for either party to request extensions for submitting their briefs. According to Fred Rispoli, a legal expert who discussed the matter on The Good Morning Crypto Show, such extensions are common and could push the deadlines back. As a result, initial briefs might be delayed until early January 2025 or later.

4. Possible Additional Extensions

Further delays could occur due to significant events or unforeseen complications. For instance, major occurrences like the U.S. elections could impact the timeline. Ripple might request an additional 60 days to file its briefs, which could push the schedule for opposition briefs to February or March 2025.

5. Oral Arguments

Once all briefs have been filed, the court will schedule oral arguments. This stage of the process can take another four to five months. Consequently, oral arguments might be scheduled for October or November 2025, depending on how quickly the court can arrange them.

6. Final Decision

After the oral arguments, the Second Circuit Court could take anywhere from three months to a year to reach a final decision. Based on current estimates, the earliest possible ruling could be between January and April 2026. This extended timeframe could mean a prolonged period of uncertainty for Ripple and XRP.

Implications for XRP

For XRP investors, this extended legal battle presents significant uncertainty. The ongoing legal process and potential delays could continue to impact XRP’s market performance and investor confidence. As the case drags on, the price of XRP may experience fluctuations based on the evolving legal landscape.

Investors should be prepared for the possibility of prolonged uncertainty and should keep an eye on any updates regarding the case. The resolution of this legal dispute is crucial for Ripple’s future and the overall sentiment in the cryptocurrency market.

What Should Investors Do?

Given the potential for an extended legal process, XRP investors should stay informed and consider how ongoing developments might affect their investment strategies. Monitoring legal updates and understanding how the outcome of this case could impact XRP’s market dynamics will be essential for making informed decisions.

As the legal battle between Ripple and the SEC continues, the potential for delays highlights the importance of staying updated on the latest news. This ongoing situation will undoubtedly influence the cryptocurrency market and could shape the future of Ripple and XRP.