Hey- How is that new Lawsuit working out for ya...?

Christie's, Sotheby, Ebay sued over royalty

Chuck Close and other artists are suing Sotheby's, Christie's and eBay, contending the auctioneers willfully violated a California law requiring royalty payments on sales of their works. 

The three federal suits filed Tuesday seek class-action status to represent many other artists and demand unspecified royalties and damages – which could total hundreds of thousands of dollars given current art prices...

 

Christie's -- "Although Christie's has yet to be served with the complaint, it views the California Resale Royalties Act as subject to serious legal challenges. Christie's looks forward to addressing these issues in court," the company said in a statement.

Sotheby's --"We believe that we have meaningful defenses to the claims asserted and they will be vigorously defended," Sotheby's said in a statement Thursday.

 Ebay -- An email seeking comment from eBay was not immediately. 





My understanding of the suit so far is that CA passed a law in order to support their own artists,it requires any sale occurred in state would have to pay royalty to the artists.  Chuck Close is not a CA resident so I am not so sure as to what ground he is using to sue?  Or is he be merely trying to open up a case discussion, to broaden the law so non-resident like himself could collect royalty as well?  Will stay tuned and see what comes next!