Coinfeeds Daily → US Federal Judge Dismisses Consensys’ Lawsuit Against SEC

US Federal Judge Dismisses Consensys’ Lawsuit Against SEC

Published: Sep 20, 2024 | Last Updated: Sep 20, 2024
Howard Kane
Dismissal of a lawsuit
Image: Dismissal of a lawsuit

Court dismisses lawsuit, but MetaMask challenges persist for blockchain leader.

Background on the Legal Battle

Consensys, a leading blockchain technology company, has been embroiled in a legal battle with the U.S. SEC. The conflict centers around the classification of ETH and the functionalities of Consensys' MetaMask wallet. The SEC had been investigating whether Ethereum should be classified as a security, which could have significant implications for its regulation.

Court Dismisses Consensys' Lawsuit

Recently, a Texas federal judge dismissed Consensys' lawsuit against the SEC. The lawsuit aimed to prevent the SEC from classifying Ethereum as a security and to challenge enforcement actions related to the MetaMask wallet. The court ruled that the SEC's actions were not "final agency actions," meaning they were not conclusive enough to warrant legal intervention at this stage.

SEC Drops Ethereum Investigation

In another development, the SEC decided to end its investigation into Ethereum 2.0. This move was seen as a victory for Consensys, as it alleviated immediate concerns over Ethereum's regulatory status. However, the court's dismissal of the lawsuit means that Consensys did not achieve a legal declaration that Ethereum is not a security.

Ongoing Challenges with MetaMask

Despite the positive outcome regarding Ethereum, Consensys continues to face legal challenges related to its MetaMask wallet. The SEC has accused Consensys of selling unregistered securities through MetaMask Swaps, a feature that allows users to exchange cryptocurrencies. Consensys plans to file a motion to dismiss these claims, indicating that the legal battle is far from over.

Consensys' Stance and Future Plans

Consensys has expressed dissatisfaction with the court's decision to dismiss its lawsuit but remains committed to promoting blockchain technology. The company argues that the SEC's regulatory approach could hinder cryptocurrency development. Consensys plans to continue opposing what it views as overly strict regulations, highlighting its dedication to advancing blockchain innovation.

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