SEARCH

Waran v. Christie's Inc.

Nothing Showed Auction House's Assurances of Works' Provenance False; Fraud Suit Dismissed

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

OPINION & ORDERSandran Waran (“Waran”) brings this diversity action for fraud against Christie’s Inc. (“Christie’s”) in connection with Christie’s sale of two Asian antiquities. Christie’s moves for summary judgment, claiming that Waran fails to establish a misstatement, scienter, or damages. Christie’s also asserts that Waran’s claim is time-barred. For the reasons that follow, Christie’s motion for summary judgment is granted, and this action is dismissed.BACKGROUNDIn March 2005, Waran purchased a sculpture titled “Blackstone Stele of Vishnu on Garuda” (the “Blackstone Stele”) for $40,704 at auction from Christie’s. (Affirmation of R. Zachary Gelber, Esq. in Opposition to Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment, ECF No. 78 (“Gelber Affirm.”), Ex. 4 (“Blackstone Invoice”).) In its March 2005 Indian and Southeast Asian Art Catalog, Christie’s represented that the Blackstone Stele was created in twelfth century northeastern India, and that its provenance was “of a Boston Collection,” which had “[a]cquired [it] in 1993.” (Gelber Affirm., Ex. 3 (“2005 Catalog”), at 37.) Before Waran’s purchase, Christie’s policy was to accept information regarding provenance from consignors at face value. (Defendant’s Response to Plaintiff’s Counter-Statement Pursuant to Local Civil Rule 56.1, ECF No. 91 (“Def.’s Response”),

More From ALM

Premium Subscription

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now

Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now

Bundle Subscriptions

Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now

From Data to Decisions

Dynamically explore and compare data on law firms, companies, individual lawyers, and industry trends.

Exclusive Depth and Reach.

Law.com Compass includes access to our exclusive industry reports, combining the unmatched expertise of our analyst team with ALM’s deep bench of proprietary information to provide insights that can’t be found anywhere else.

Big Pictures and Fine Details

Law.com Compass delivers you the full scope of information, from the rankings of the Am Law 200 and NLJ 500 to intricate details and comparisons of firms’ financials, staffing, clients, news and events.

Complex Claims & Litigation Forum 2025

February 24, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Las Vegas, NV

This conference aims to help insurers and litigators better manage complex claims and litigation.

Learn More

Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law Awards 2025

March 24, 2025
New York, NY

Recognizing innovation in the legal technology sector for working on precedent-setting, game-changing projects and initiatives.

Learn More

Legalweek New York 2025

March 24, 2025 - March 27, 2025
New York, NY

Legalweek New York explores Business and Regulatory Trends, Technology and Talent drivers impacting law firms.

Learn More

Labor Relations Associate and Junior Counsel

Description:NFSA has a great opportunity for a Labor Relations Associate and Junior Counsel. This position will support NFSA's collective ba...

Apply Now ›

PRODUCTS LIABILITY, MASS TORTS AND CONSUMER CLASS ACTION ATTORNEYS

McCarter & English, LLP is seeking litigation attorneys for our Newark, NJ offices. Candidates must have 3-6 years of law firm experien...

Apply Now ›

CORPORATE ATTORNEY

McCarter & English, LLP is actively seeking a corporate associate for its office located in Boston, MA. Candidate must have 2 - 5 years ...

Apply Now ›