Cohen v. Republic of Philippines

Imelda Marcos's agent delivered four paintings, once displayed in her home, to Cohen (plaintiff); when the agent later demanded their return, Cohen, uncertain who actually owned them, filed an interpleader action naming the agent and the Republic of Philippines (defendant) as competing claimants. Marcos moved to intervene, asserting the paintings were purchased with her personal funds and remained hers, and disputing the agent's claimed lien on them; her motion came about five months after the initial complaint, during which she had been engaged in settlement negotiations with the Philippines in a related matter.