Unanimous Verdict in Civil Suit Confirms Acclaimed Artist's Ownership of Luxury Yacht
HOUSTON, Texas (November 5, 2009) — BoyarMiller successfully represented internationally-renowned Croatian artist Zvonimir Mihanovic in a civil suit filed in Harris County over ownership of a luxury yacht gifted to him. The plaintiff, a wealthy Houston businessman, sued Mihanovic seeking the return of a 48-foot motor yacht that the plaintiff paid to have built and then gave to Mihanovic along with full title.
Prior to the purchase of the yacht, the plaintiff and Mihanovic became friends and routinely exchanged gifts with each other out of friendship. Typical exchanges between the two included artwork created by Mihanovic, money, a Mercedes and other gifts.
In 2000, the plaintiff paid approximately $600,000 for the initial construction of the yacht given to Mihanovic as a gift and titled 100 percent in Mihanovic's name. Mihanovic later invested an additional $400,000 of his own funds in upgrades to the yacht.
In 2005, the plaintiff sued to recover funds spent on the initial construction or have title to the yacht transferred from Mihanovic to him. The plaintiff alleged that Mihanovic initially agreed to repay him for all funds spent on the yacht and later agreed to transfer full title when he did not have sufficient funds to repay.
After a four-year legal battle, the case was presented in Harris County by BoyarMiller Litigation Group attorneys Chris Hanslik, Vice Chairman, and Matt Veech, Shareholder. In less than 30 minutes, a unanimous jury found that no such agreements existed.
Mihanovic's oil on canvas paintings are inspired from the picturesque harbors, marine vistas and small villages scattered along the beautiful Dalmatian coast of the Adriatic Sea. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the grand prize of the prestigious Salon d'Automne in Paris, and Croatia's Order of the Morning Star, which is the highest cultural honor that his country can bestow. In addition, Mihanovic was honored by U.N.E.S.C.O. with an exhibition of his work as part of the celebration of the cultural history of his birthplace, Split, Croatia. His work has been showcased in numerous one-man exhibitions throughout the United States, including shows held in New York, Chicago, Palm Beach, Aspen and Los Angeles. The Museum of Modern Art, Zagreb, other European museums and art collectors in Europe, Latin America and the United States have acquired his paintings.
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