Australia- Australian record companies have been granted permission to question Sharman Networks chief executive Nicola Hemming in court about her personal assets.

The ruling comes just months after the Australian record industry celebrated a win against online music-swapping service Kazaa which is owned by Sharman.

In the Federal Court in Sydney today, Justice Michael Moore granted a number of orders sought by Australian record companies.

The companies are attempting to uncover details of Sharman Networks’ assets and the way the company has been structured in Vanuatu.

Ms Hemming has been told to supply an affidavit by December 9 listing all Sharman’s assets, including details of all bank accounts, balances and trusts.

A date for Ms Hemming’s cross-examination was not immediately set, but is expected sometime next year. In his judgment, Justice Moore said there were “several unusual features” about the sale.

He said the timing of the sale – five days after Hemming’s lawyers received documents outlining the record industry’s case – and Ms Hemming’s stake in the Vanuatu trust were aspects that needed to be reviewed.

“One can infer that the strengths and weaknesses of the respective cases would have been apparent to the parties and those advising them,” he wrote. “Greater clarity about this matter may arise from the cross-examination.”

In a statement, Sharman Networks said it was “disappointed” with the ruling.

“We will review the judgment and consider our options,” the company said.