Dispute over Game of Thrones replica ends up in court

The owner of an official Game of Thrones Iron Throne replica, which is being commercially showcased all over Ireland, has issued legal proceedings against a business partner.

Mark Russell claims Stephen Cronin Saleh plans to remove the replica throne from the country.

Mr Russell claims that he and Mr Cronin Saleh agreed last March to purchase and exploit the HBO licensed replica of the throne used in the fantasy drama TV series.

The court heard Mr Russell bought the throne, which was then licensed to Mr Cronin Saleh, of Hazelwood Avenue, Glanmire, Co Cork. Mr Cronin Saleh had been granted an option to buy the throne and both parties had agreed to a profit share arrangement.

Mr Russell, an IT consultant, alleges that he bought the hand-painted fiberglass and fire-proof resin throne, which is 2.2m tall and weighs 160kg, for €13,465 in Canada.

Barrister Stephen Moran, counsel for Mr Russell, of Block A, Smithfield Market, Smithfield, Dublin, said his client had also paid €1,535 for the shipping expenses.

The court heard the throne was to remain Mr Russell’s property until Mr Cronin Saleh had repaid the entire purchase price and the ownership title would then be transferred to Mr Cronin Saleh.

Mr Russell claims they had also agreed to incorporate a company, Fancosmic Ltd, and that he would get 35 per cent of its shares. He had been registered as a director of the company.

Charge for photographs

The court heard the throne was to be displayed at events and shopping centres in Ireland and in the UK, and members of the public would be given the opportunity to sit in it and have their picture taken for a €10 to €25 fee.

Mr Moran, who appeared with McHale Muldoon solicitors, said Mr Russell also lent Mr Cronin Saleh a further €5,000 to fund working capital.

Mr Russell alleges that Mr Cronin Saleh removed him as a director of Fancosmic Ltd last June. He had also removed his access privileges and cancelled all his permissions regarding the company.

The court heard that Mr Cronin Saleh had refused to speak to Mr Russell since last May and had failed to return the throne to him. Mr Cronin Saleh had also failed to repay the €20,000 sum.

Counsel said his client believes Mr Cronin Saleh intends to remove the throne from the country and Mr Russell was now seeking an injunction against him and against Fancosmic Ltd, of Upper Pembroke Street, Dublin.

In his proceedings, Mr Russell seeks various orders including a judgment against Mr Cronin Saleh and Fancosmic Ltd in the sum of €20,000 and an order requiring the return of the throne to him.

He also seeks an order restraining Mr Cronin Saleh from removing the throne from Ireland without a written consent from him.

Judge James O’Donohoe accepted an undertaking by Mr Cronin Saleh, who appeared in court , not to remove the throne from the country until the full hearing of the application next week.

The court heard that when the throne was displayed at the Mahon Point shopping centre in Cork last April, Fancosmic Ltd generated €7,500.