Asset Freeze and Continued Legal Battles
In the intervening months, Hayward moved for an asset freeze to ensure the judgment was paid, expressing concerns that Blueworks would use its ties to China to hide assets and avoid payment. Judge Cogburn granted the freeze on April 11 and has extended the TRO several times since then, court filings show.
In addition to entering the $16 million judgment last week, Judge Cogburn also lifted a 30-day stay that had temporarily prevented Hayward from enforcing the judgment, citing a “significant risk that defendants’ assets will dissipate” if Hayward is forced to wait to collect.
Blueworks’ Defense and Appeal
Blueworks countered in Friday’s motion that it has a strong likelihood of success on appeal, a factor that weighs in favor of pausing enforcement of the judgment. It also said Hayward won’t be harmed by having to wait, noting it’s a “multi-billion dollar company” that is otherwise “not in financial distress.”
Additionally, Blueworks said its customers — which include North Carolina residents — have warranty and service claims that would be disrupted if Hayward is allowed to collect its judgment before the appeal concludes.
