Table of abbreviations -- 1 Introduction -- 2 Private title claims -- 3 The interstate model -- 4 Claims to nazi-looted art -- 5 Colonial looting and indigenous peoples' lost heritage -- 6 Cross-border trade and claims: a synthesis -- 7 Concluding observations -- Table of instruments -- Table of cases -- Selected bibliography -- Other resources -- Annex: original sources.

This thesis comparatively investigates into the cross-border enforcement of claims to misappropriated cultural objects initiated by states. It identifies and categorises sovereign rights in cultural property, and discusses the legal mechanisms to successfully implement these rights in foreign courts. The results may be used by government officials, museum officials, lawyers, art historians, archaeologists, art dealers, academics.

Works of art and cultural goods looted in armed conflicts or wars usually travel across several borders when they are sold. The cross-border character of looted art creates legal challenges for restitution claims as they often concern various national jurisdictions, with differing rules, as well as fragmented and insufficiently defined legal requirements in international and European legal instruments. Against this background, this European Added Value Assessment identifies weaknesses in the existing EU legal system for restitution claims of works of art and cultural goods looted in armed conflicts and wars. Moreover, it outlines potential legislative measures that could be taken at the EU level and that could generate European added value through simplification and harmonisation of the legal system in this area.

This book provides a bird's eye view of contemporary issues in art claims and litigation. It outlines the legal machinery driving the cross-border movement of cultural objects and explores the questions that come to light when art travels globally. Along the way, the book explains the role of national legislation in the protection of cultural objects, and offers guidance on the drafting of art-related agreements. While the focus of this survey is on tangible art and other forms of cultural wealth, the book refers to intellectual property rights and their relationship with physical things. It enables art owners and administrators, along with the communities and governments to which they answer, to develop an understanding of the vast scope and variety of art disputes. Readers will also learn the need for prudence and foresight in any dealings in art. Art, Adventure and Advocacy clearly demonstrates, by use of examples, why it is preferable to take legal advice before the event than to suffer litigation and loss afterwards. [Subject: International Law, Art Law, Cultural Heritage Law, Antiquities Law, Intellectual Property Law]

Many have talked of a 'new wave' of restitution claims prompted by the Sarr-Savoy report. This has been further enhanced by the announcement by the Open Society Foundation in November 2019 of $15 million of support for action to restore objects to Africa, including through litigation. A series of formal claims to European museums for the return of objects was reported in 2019. The sustained high level of public interest in the restitution debate, combined with the generally stubborn response of host nations, suggests that this pattern will continue. Cultural Restitution Claims: A Legal Handbook provides a concise and practical account of the international law relevant to cross-border claims for the restitution of cultural property. It covers both the supranational legal framework and the domestic legal position in a number of key jurisdictions, namely the UK, US, Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and China, drawing on the expertise of practitioners in those jurisdictions. It also relates the present state of the law to the evolving political and ethical debate and engages in critical comparison of the position in different jurisdictions. The book serves as a practical resource for those asserting or responding to claims for the return of objects, whether in the context of formal litigation or otherwise, as well as for those with a professional or policy interest in the restitution debate.

This thesis comparatively investigates into the cross-border enforcement of claims to misappropriated cultural objects initiated by states. It identifies and categorises sovereign rights in cultural property, and discusses the legal mechanisms to successfully implement these rights in foreign courts. The results may be used by government officials, museum officials, lawyers, art historians, archaeologists, art dealers, academics.