In the ongoing Ripple vs SEC lawsuit, Senior District Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton has granted Ripple and CEO Brad Garlinghouse’s request to seal specific court documents. The decision also applies to the plaintiff’s motion to seal certain exhibits, marking a critical moment as the case progresses to the appeals stage.
Following the new XRP price jumped by 1.70% and currently trading at $2.31. In the meanwhile, XRP is unable to cross its critical resistance level of $2.51 despite Trump’s pro-crypto administration announcements. With big news of Trump meeting the Ripple CEO is also buzzing in the market as many expect Trump’s administration will dissolve the Ripple case this year itself.
What’s Happening in Court?
The court agreed that the sealing requests align with the Ninth Circuit’s “compelling reasons” standard, which balances the need to protect confidential and sensitive information against the public’s right to access. Ripple’s motion covered eight exhibits related to their summary judgment and 56 exhibits opposing the plaintiff’s motion. The plaintiff also sought to seal portions of exhibits containing sensitive information, including personal and confidential details.
The court also approved the SEC’s request to seal parts of its exhibits, including evidence tied to expert testimony. The judge agreed that both sides had valid reasons to keep these materials private, ensuring fairness as the case moves forward.
What’s Next for the SEC?
The XRP community is now focused on the SEC’s next move. The regulator is preparing to file its main appeal brief, which could shape the future of this high-stakes case. Some legal experts, like Jeremy Hogan and former SEC lawyer Marc Fagel, believe the appeal might not go far. They point out that pro-crypto voices, like Paul Atkins, could influence the SEC to reconsider its stance.
Why It Matters
This legal battle has become a pivotal moment for the crypto industry. Ripple’s earlier victory in the summary judgment was a major blow to the SEC’s claims that XRP is a security. Now, as the case moves to appeals, the outcome could set a precedent for how cryptocurrencies are treated in the U.S.
For now, Ripple’s ability to shield sensitive information is a small but important win, keeping its focus on the bigger fight ahead. The crypto world will be watching closely as the SEC files its appeal and the case unfolds.
XRP Price Impact
On the technical front, XRP is currently in a consolidation phase, a common “cooling-off” period after big price moves. While this sideways action might seem dull, it often sets the stage for significant future movements. Investors should remain patient and watch key levels, as a breakout above $2.51 could spark a rally. Broader market trends, like Bitcoin’s performance, may also influence XRP’s next big move.
