Art Law

Seladore Legal’s art law practice stands at the intersection of high-value commercial disputes and the world of fine art, where our firm has a robust track record representing clients in some of the most challenging and high-stakes cases. This practice reflects our expertise in handling complex, often cross-border disputes that demand an understanding of the art market’s nuances.

Seladore Senior Partner Simon Bushell is a member of pool of arbitrators at the Court of Arbitration for Art in The Hague.

Fraud and financial misrepresentation

Seladore’s expertise in fraud litigation within the art market ensures robust representation for clients on all sides of art transactions. We handle claims involving allegations of negligence, hidden commissions, and financial misrepresentation, whether on behalf of buyers, sellers, or art market intermediaries such as dealers and auction houses. By addressing breaches of fiduciary duty and exposing fraudulent schemes, our practice safeguards client interests and upholds integrity in an often complex and opaque market.

Asset tracing and jurisdictional challenges

Our practice has deep knowledge of jurisdictional strategy, asset tracing, enforcement of rights, and the management of parallel proceedings. Seladore’s deep asset tracing knowledge allows us to locate and secure art assets, even when they are transferred across borders or concealed in complex ownership structures.

Issues of ownership and authenticity

Seladore’s practice addresses the complex challenges surrounding ownership and authenticity, both critical to the value and status of works of art.

We advocate for clients in disputes over provenance and rightful ownership, especially where authenticity or the legal status of an artwork is questioned. In cases where attribution is contested, we work alongside experts to defend against misattributions, protecting clients from the financial and reputational risks associated with erroneous or fraudulent claims.

Money laundering, sanctions, bribery

Complementing our knowledge of high-value commercial disputes is our white-collar crime practice, which offers strategic counsel on financial crime matters to those in the art market, helping to navigate regulatory challenges and mitigate reputational risks.

Representing a prominent art buyer in his claim against an art dealer over the sale of a work by Basquiat.
Representing a corporate entity in connection with a fraud perpetrated by an art dealer, and a related title dispute, over another work by Basquiat.
Acting in a dispute in relation to the sale of a work by Klimt to a prominent art buyer, via an art dealer.
Advising a major auction house in relation to the alleged negligent attribution of a work claimed to be by Constable.
Conducting an internal investigation into a suspected breach of sanctions for a London auction house, including advice on liability and reporting obligations.