Token Legal Opinion

Memorandum of Law — Utility Token Classification

Dated: January 17, 2024

UTILITY TOKENS — NOT SECURITIES

Per legal analysis, $V Token and $USA Token are classified as utility tokens (commodities) and do NOT constitute securities under the Securities Act of 1933.

Executive Summary

Howey Test Analysis

For an asset to be classified as a security under SEC v. Howey (1946), it must satisfy ALL four prongs. Our tokens fail multiple prongs.

1. Investment of Money

Tokens are purchased for utility access, not as an investment

❌ NOT SATISFIED

2. Common Enterprise

No pooling of funds for collective investment purpose

❌ NOT SATISFIED

3. Expectation of Profits

Tokens provide functional utility, not profit expectations

❌ NOT SATISFIED

4. Efforts of Others

Value derived from utility, not management efforts

❌ NOT SATISFIED

Conclusion: Tokens do NOT meet the Howey Test definition of a security

Token Classification Comparison

Utility Tokens ($V, $USA)

  • Functional utility within platform
  • Access to services and features
  • Fee discounts and payments
  • NO equity ownership
  • NO dividend rights
  • NO voting rights in company
  • Classified as commodities
  • NOT subject to SEC registration

Equity Stock (USDW)

  • OTC-listed common stock
  • Represents company ownership
  • Dividend eligible
  • Shareholder voting rights
  • SEC registered security
  • Subject to securities laws
  • Tradeable on OTC Markets
  • Made in USA Inc. equity

Key Legal Conclusions

Functional Utility Purpose

Tokens are designed and marketed for their functional utility within the Veritize platform — certification fees, blockchain anchoring, service access — not as investment opportunities.

No Investment Contract Characteristics

Tokens do not represent an investment contract, equity stake, profit-sharing arrangement, or any right to company earnings or assets.

Consumptive Use Model

Tokens are consumed when used for their intended purpose (paying for certifications, blockchain fees, etc.), following the "consumptive use" doctrine that distinguishes utility tokens from securities.

Commodity Classification

Under CFTC guidance, utility tokens that do not meet the Howey Test are generally classified as commodities, not securities, and fall outside SEC jurisdiction.

Token-Specific Analysis

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