Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New York

ownership after 35 years

Would the estate of a French photographer have the legal right today to reclaim a set of prints by that photographer which was produced in New York in 1970-71 solely for an exhibition at a corporate art gallery, and then never reqeusted the prints back during the following 35 years? Since the original exhibition and two other early '70's US venues, the prints have been in storage with that corporation and only recently given to a US museum. The corporate curator says there never was any request at all for the pictures return. Can the museum pass clear title of these prints to another individual?


Asked on 7/17/08, 11:10 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Markowitz Michael A. Markowitz, PC

Re: ownership after 35 years

In essence what you are asking is whether an entity that never received clear title may sell artwork simply because it was in its possession for 35 years.

I believe the answer to that question is no. However, I need more information concerning the transaction to render a proper legal opinion.

Mike.

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Answered on 7/17/08, 12:14 pm


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