A recently surfaced document has ignited excitement in the cryptocurrency community, with claims that the United States has patented XRP and classified it as a payment method for financial services. Shared widely on social media, the document has led to speculation about a significant government endorsement of XRP, the cryptocurrency associated with Ripple Labs. However, a detailed examination reveals that this is a misunderstanding of a trademark filing rather than a patent issued by the U.S. government. With XRP trading at approximately $0.60 as of August 21, 2025, let’s clarify the facts and explore the implications for the crypto market.
The Document in Question
The document in question is a certificate from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), bearing registration number 4,458,993. It registers “XRP” for specific financial services, with the following details:
- Owner: OpenCoin, Inc., the original entity that later became Ripple Labs Inc., based in San Francisco, CA.
- Registration Date: December 31, 2013.
- Service Description: “Financial services, namely, providing secure payment options to members of an online community via a global computer network through the use of traditional currency and virtual currency,” under Class 36.
- First Use: March 1, 2013, in commerce.
This is a trademark, which protects a brand name or logo for commercial use, not a patent, which safeguards inventions or processes. The filing was initiated by OpenCoin on May 17, 2013, and published for opposition on October 15, 2013. The current owner, Ripple Labs Inc., maintains the trademark’s active status, with a “Section 8 & 15-Accepted and Acknowledged” renewal in 2020. This registration grants Ripple exclusive rights to use “XRP” for the specified services, preventing similar marks that could cause confusion.
Clearing Up the Misunderstanding
The claim that the U.S. has “patented” XRP and “classified it as a payment method” is inaccurate. The USPTO approved Ripple’s trademark application, but the government does not own or patent XRP—Ripple does. This trademark has been public since 2013 and has been referenced in legal contexts, such as WIPO domain disputes, but it does not indicate a government endorsement or classification of XRP as an official payment method. The confusion may stem from the document’s official appearance or misinterpretation of its legal scope, which is limited to Ripple’s branding rights.
Implications for XRP and the Crypto Market
While the document does not support the viral claim, it highlights XRP’s role in Ripple’s vision for financial services. Here’s what it means:
- Ripple’s Legal Status: The ongoing SEC lawsuit, settled in August 2024 with a $125 million fine, clarified that XRP sales to retail investors are not securities, though institutional sales are. This trademark reinforces XRP’s utility in payments, potentially strengthening Ripple’s position in cross-border transactions.
- Market Reaction: XRP saw a 5% price increase following the post, trading at $0.60 amid a broader altcoin rally. However, the hype may fade as the facts emerge, suggesting short-term volatility.
- Broader Adoption Trends: The misinterpretation taps into real momentum, such as Brazil’s $19 billion Bitcoin reserve proposal and the Federal Reserve’s support for stablecoins, indicating growing acceptance of digital assets in finance.
- Investor Caution: Such claims often drive speculative pumps. Investors should focus on verified developments, like Ripple’s ODL partnerships with banks like Santander, rather than unverified rumors.
Current XRP Market Overview
As of August 21, 2025, XRP is trading at $0.60, with a market cap of $33.8 billion and daily trading volume exceeding $1.5 billion. Key factors include:
- Recent Developments: A 1 billion XRP unlock from escrow on August 1, 2025, and ongoing ODL expansions.
- Technical Outlook: XRP consolidates above $0.55 support, with resistance at $0.65. A breakout could target $0.75, supported by a neutral RSI of 55.
- Macro Context: The FOMC minutes’ dovish tilt on August 20, 2025, boosts rate cut expectations, benefiting altcoins like XRP.
The U.S. Initial Jobless Claims report, due at 8:30 a.m. ET today, could further influence market sentiment.
Final Thoughts: Separating Fact from Fiction
The viral claim of a U.S. patent on XRP is a misreading of a 2013 trademark by Ripple Labs, not a government action classifying it as a payment method. While it has sparked excitement, the real value lies in Ripple’s established use of XRP for financial services. For investors, this serves as a reminder to verify information amid crypto’s volatility and focus on fundamentals.
Stay tuned for updates on XRP price movements, regulatory developments, and more crypto news as the market continues to evolve.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry risks.
Wow, false news are spreading bravely.