Ripple Lawyer Says XRP Classification Argument By Bitcoin Maxis Is Flawed

Bhushan Akolkar
June 3, 2025
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Ripple lawyer calls XRP classification by Bitcoin Maxis as "logical misstep"

Highlights

  • Ripple lawyer emphasized that Judge Torres’ decision, that XRP is not a security in retail sales, offers sufficient legal clarity.
  • Morgan pointed to evolving legal definitions, such as Bitcoin's classification as "property" in Australia.
  • He further highlighted that understanding what an asset is not, like XRP’s non-security status, is enough.

Ripple lawyer Bill Morgan has put to rest arguments suggesting that XRP lacks legal clarity due to the absence of formal classification. For a while, Bitcoin maxis have been propagating the notion that the lack of classification for the Ripple cryptocurrency means that it holds a legal ambiguity. Morgan called this fundamentally flawed through a logical explanation.

Ripple Lawyer Rejects XRP Classification By Bitcoin Maxis

For years together, Bitcoin has been enjoying the “commodity” status as approved by both – US SEC and US CFTC. However, amid the 4-year-long SEC lawsuit, XRP’s status had been in limbo, until recently when Judge Torres ruled that retail XRP sales don’t constitute as investment contracts, however, institutional sales do classify as one.

Bitcoin maxis have been arguing for a while that there’s not enough legal clarity around XRP since it hasn’t been classified. Ripple lawyer Bill Morgan stated that such an assumption that something unclassified lacks legal clarity is a “logical misstep”. He noted that the concept of “classification” itself is undefined, making the entire argument baseless.

Morgan highlighted that courts do not engage in classification for their own sake. Instead, they resolve specific legal issues brought before them. He emphasized that in the landmark Ripple case, Judge Torres focused solely on determining whether Ripple’s sales of XRP constituted investment contracts, not on whether XRP is a commodity or security.

Last week, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, appreciated the passing of Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, to bring clear crypto regulations in the US. “Clarity shouldn’t be controversial,” he stressed.

There’s No Dilemma In XRP Legal Clarity, Says Morgan

The Ripple lawyer stated that the court’s decision provides sufficient legal clarity about XRP. The fact that Judge Torres concluded Ripple crypto is not a security offers exactly the degree of legal clarity required, said Bill Morgan.

Additionally, Morgan pointed out that even fundamental legal concepts like “property” defy closed definitions. The XRP lawyer said that in his country of Australia, Bitcoin has been classified as a “property”. Thus, if Bitcoin’s classification remains evolving, XRP legal clarity comes from the court’s decision that it is not a security.

“If we do not know exactly what XRP is we certainly have the legal clarity of what it is not: it is not a security,” concluded Bill Morgan. To ensure peace between the XRP and Bitcoin communities, Ripple co-founder Brad Garlinghouse donated the ‘Skull of Satoshi‘ to the Bitcoin community.

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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Bhushan is a seasoned crypto writer with over eight years of experience spanning more than 10,000 contributions across multiple platforms like CoinGape, CoinSpeaker, Bitcoinist, Crypto News Flash, and others. Being a Fintech enthusiast, he loves reporting across Crypto, Blockchain, DeFi, Global Macros with a keen understanding in financial markets. 

He is committed to continuous learning and stays motivated by sharing the knowledge he acquires. In his free time, Bhushan enjoys reading thriller fiction novels and occasionally explores his culinary skills. Bhushan has a bachelors degree in electronics engineering, however, his interest in finance and economics drives him to crypto and blockchain.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.