A tough legal battle ensued, resulting in a first sentence to pay 750,000 pounds sterling in taxes based on the profits generated by its activities in Spain in 1928. The litigation lasted until 1931 and was not favorable to Rio Tinto.The Rio Tinto company disagreed with the Spanish administration and Auckland Geddes went to court. However, the court battle proved unfavorable to the interests of the RTC, which was forced to pay more than three million pounds sterling in 1931 — including taxes — in response to claims made by the government of the newly established Republic. The Pilkington affair contributed to increase popular animosity towards the company.
