Navigating contractual waters

Key insights from a commercial court ruling on a yacht design dispute

In the yachting and cruise industry it is not unusual for designers to start working for start-up companies and/or individuals who are in the process of developing their own project. It is common for these companies not to be incorporated at the outset or, even if they have been, for the founder to act as the owner of the project. The English High Court has recently decided a dispute (Winch Design Limited v Carl Le Souef & Somnio Superyachts Pty Limited ) between the developer of a residential yacht project and a designer, concerning unpaid invoices for design services.

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