Courts / Galway / Report

Judge urges brothers in Claddagh ring dispute to resolve matters

Date
2020-07-02

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Galway

County
Galway

Summary

A High Court judge has urged brothers Andrew and Philip Fried, shareholders of Claddagh Jewellers Ltd, to resolve their ongoing disputes. The judge, Mr Justice Mark Sanfey, made orders following unsuccessful mediation. In one set of proceedings, Andrew Fried claimed Philip, along with their father Laszlo Fried, attempted to interfere with the business. Philip denied the claims and alleged he was being oppressed. The judge noted that Andrew's legal team withdrew due to lack of instructions, and Andrew did not attend court. Philip's lawyers sought orders to restore Philip as a director and for Andrew to hand over company assets. The judge granted the order to restore Philip as a director but deferred other orders until a later court date. In separate proceedings, Philip claims sole ownership of the trademark 'Claddagh Jewellers' and sought an injunction against Andrew. The judge granted the injunction, pending the final outcome. The judge urged the brothers to resolve matters to avoid further harm to the business. Additional proceedings involving Laszlo Fried remain pending and will return before the court later this month.