Ripple Document Uncovered: The Trademark That Caused a Buzz

A recently unearthed document from Ripple has ignited a fresh wave of excitement within the XRP community, often referred to as the "XRP Army." The buzz was initially sparked by a crypto enthusiast who shared what appeared to be an official certificate from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The post, which claimed the document was a U.S. government patent from 2013 declaring XRP a payment method, quickly went viral. This led to speculation that the U.S. government had essentially endorsed XRP, solidifying its status as a compliant financial asset.

Clarifying the Document: A Trademark, Not a Patent

While the certificate is indeed authentic, the excitement stemmed from a misunderstanding. The document is not a patent but rather a trademark registration filed by Ripple, then known as OpenCoin, in 2013. The trademark protects the name "XRP" and its use in financial services, providing the company with legal safeguards and brand recognition. The wording in the filing, which mentions "providing secure payment options... through the use of traditional currency and virtual currency," highlights Ripple's consistent vision for XRP's utility. This discovery, while not a government patent, reinforces the company's long-standing focus on establishing XRP as a key player in the global payments landscape, a commitment that dates back to its early days.