A Virginia federal court has granted the salvage company the authority to collect items from the Titanic wreck, but explicitly barred it from selling the recovered artifacts. The company maintains that its earliest retrievals remain under the jurisdiction산 of a French court, citing agreements that predate the U.S. decision.

The dispute centers on the legal ownership of the historic wreckage and the rightful market for its recovered pieces. While the Titanic remains a global symbol of maritime tragedy, the debate illustrates how international law can complicate the salvage of culturally significant sites.

In practice, the company can now send divers to gather artifacts, yet any sale must await clearance from the French court. This dual‑court scenario underscores the importance of clear jurisdictional boundaries, especially when artifacts cross national borders.

Ultimately, the case reflects the broader tension between commercial interests and the preservation of heritage, with both courts asserting their influence over the wreck’s future.