diff --git a/sdk/src/main/java/io/opentdf/platform/sdk/Manifest.java b/sdk/src/main/java/io/opentdf/platform/sdk/Manifest.java
index 01502bba..03075664 100644
--- a/sdk/src/main/java/io/opentdf/platform/sdk/Manifest.java
+++ b/sdk/src/main/java/io/opentdf/platform/sdk/Manifest.java
@@ -51,8 +51,7 @@ public boolean equals(Object o) {
             return false;
         Manifest manifest = (Manifest) o;
         return Objects.equals(encryptionInformation, manifest.encryptionInformation)
-                && Objects.equals(payload, manifest.payload) 
-                && (manifest.assertions != null && Objects.equals(assertions, manifest.assertions));
+                && Objects.equals(payload, manifest.payload) && Objects.equals(assertions, manifest.assertions);
     }
 
     @Override