The case of the day is Wei Su v. Sotheby’s, Inc. (S.D.N.Y. 2018). Wei claimed that he owned the Zhou Zha Hu, a ritual wine vessel dated to the 9th or 10th century BCE. His agent, Hai Juan Wang, entered into a consignment agreement with Sotheby’s, the auction house. But before the piece could be auctioned, Yeh Yao Hwang claimed through his Taiwanese law firm that he owned the vessel. Sotheby’s canceled the auction but also refused to return the vessel to Wei. Wei and Wang sued Sotheby’s for breach of contract and for replevin. Sotheby’s interpleaded Wei, Wang, and Yeh. Yeh’s law firm refused to accept service on his behalf but gave an address in Taiwan where he could be served. Sotheby’s sought…
Tagged: Taiwan