Art Investment Firm Sues Former Executive Over Paternity Leave Dispute

Masterworks claims ex-chief product officer threatened wrongful termination lawsuit after resigning before leave

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The art investment platform Masterworks is suing a former chief product officer, Hai Min Tran, alleging he threatened to file a lawsuit for wrongful termination after resigning from the company prior to taking paternity leave. Masterworks claims Tran voluntarily resigned, but then sought to return part-time after his leave and demanded a severance payment, which the company says was a "ludicrous position."

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities around employee leave policies and potential disputes that can arise, especially in the fast-paced tech and investment sectors. It also raises questions about how companies handle resignations and transitions, particularly when an employee takes extended leave.

The details

According to the lawsuit filed in New York State Supreme Court, Masterworks alleges that Tran told CEO Scott Lynn he was resigning and planned to relocate his family from New York to the West Coast. The company says it offered to consider reengaging Tran as a contract employee on special projects after his paternity leave, but when he sought to return part-time, there was no work available. Masterworks claims Tran then tried to "leverage a severance payment," which the company says was an unreasonable position since he had already resigned.

  • In December 2025, Masterworks said it received a demand letter from Tran's attorney threatening a lawsuit.
  • Tran was with the company for about seven years, beginning in 2018.

The players

Hai Min Tran

A former chief product officer at Masterworks who the company says resigned before taking paternity leave, but then threatened to sue for wrongful termination.

Scott Lynn

The CEO of Masterworks, who corresponded with Tran about his resignation and potential return to the company.

Masterworks

An art investment platform that is suing its former chief product officer, Hai Min Tran, over a dispute related to his paternity leave and resignation.

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What they’re saying

“you resigned prior to leaving; you then said you wanted to do some hourly work; we talked about not having any work now when you and I last messaged.”

— Scott Lynn, CEO (Slack conversation)

“Show me where I resigned/I said I was open to part time/reducing my hours.”

— Hai Min Tran, Former Chief Product Officer (Slack conversation)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to grant Masterworks' request for a declaratory judgment stating that Tran resigned from the company.

The takeaway

This dispute underscores the importance of clear communication and documentation around employee resignations, leaves of absence, and potential rehiring, especially in fast-paced industries where staffing needs can change quickly. It also highlights the legal risks companies face when employee departures do not go smoothly.