Auction Houses and a Seller’s Right of Privacy

Although auction houses typically do not disclose the identity of the seller on their sales contracts, a recent New York trial court decision may drastically change that longstanding practice.

The issue at hand is whether a contract that lists a bidder’s identification number, and not their real name, is insufficient under New York law, even when considered along with additional identifying documents.

The case is William J. Jenack Estate Appraisers & Auctioneers, Inc. v. Rabizadeh.