Nikki Hemming was ordered to court on Nov. 17 by Australian federal judge Michael Moore, marking her first court appearance since the Kazaa trial began more than one year ago.
The latest development marks yet another notch in a long and drawn out piracy case, rife with reference to dozens of similar companies, all of whom continue to suffer the mighty hand of the music and movie industry.
Hemming has been ordered to face cross-examination from industry lawyers about certain valuable assets, which may be seized if damages are proven in the case.
According to local coverage of the trial, Hemming sold her Sydney mansion in March for more than $1.5 million. This would not be suspect, industry lawyers said, save for the fact that she sold it to John Myers, Sharman's accountant, while continuing to live in the house.
Lawyers allege Myer then transferred about half of that sale into a trust fund controlled by Sharman, something Judge Moore referred to as just one of several unusual features" of the sale.
According to Moore, Hemming’s sale came just five days after her lawyers received word that plaintiffs in the case were going to review her assets to assess possible damages.
Although the judge was careful to avoid implying any wrongdoing, he said more information was needed on the sale.
"Greater clarity about this matter may arise from the cross-examination,” he said, ordering Hemming to outline her assets for the court by Dec. 9.
Hemming did not speak publicly on the order, but an official statement from Sharman Networks expressed “disappointment.”
“We will review the judgment and consider our options,” the statement said.