The long-standing legal dispute between Ripple and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has progressed to the trial stage, indicating a potential settlement on the horizon. However, the complex nature of the case may lead to further delays.

The outcome of the lawsuit has the potential to significantly impact the cryptocurrency market, with the possibility of triggering substantial price movements in XRP and other digital assets depending on the final decision.

After three and a half years of legal proceedings, the Ripple v. SEC trial officially began at the end of April. While some anticipate a settlement soon, the intricate court procedures may prolong the case.

Recent weeks have seen both sides filing important documents, with the SEC submitting its remedies reply brief and supporting exhibits under seal earlier this week. Legal expert Jeremy Hogan observed that this marked the completion of the brief phase, commenting that the SEC's latest action lacked significance.

Hogan predicted a period of fewer developments in the case, with both parties awaiting the judge's ruling. The resolution of the lawsuit is anticipated to have a significant impact on the cryptocurrency industry, potentially leading to major price fluctuations depending on the outcome.

Ripple has already secured three partial victories in court, leading some to consider the SEC as the underdog in the legal battle. Each of these victories has resulted in an increase in the value of XRP, with the most significant surge occurring last summer after a favorable ruling from Judge Analisa Torres.