Lotus Threatens Legal Action Against New Formula 1 Team Using Its Name - LotusTalk

Administrator · 06-11-2009, 08:41 AM

In press release issued by Lotus Cars, the British exotic car maker takes issue with recent reports that a new Formula 1 team for 2010 will run under the banner of Team Lotus. The new team, however, says that's not the case.

U.K.-based Litespeed Racing has already secured a sport on the 2010 F1 lineup and decided to run under the Team Lotus name, with the permission of the name's rights-holder David Hunt.

When Lotus Cars Limited heard of this, it issued a release which clearly stated that, "Group Lotus plc will take all necessary steps to protect its name, reputation and brand image," a thinly veiled threat that the automaker will seek legal action if Litespeed continues with its plans.

That all seems straightforward enough, except this morning a report in AutoSport suggests information to the contrary. An unnamed source inside the newly formed Team Lotus said, "We've kept Lotus fully informed of our intentions and are well aware of the need to protect its brand image. We look forward to having closer ties with it in the future."

Is this all just a big misunderstanding, or is it possible that Lotus Cars has been made aware of Team Lotus' plans and is not amused?

More: Lotus Threatens Legal Action Against New Formula 1 Team Using Its Name on AutoGuide.com

robains · 06-11-2009, 09:22 AM

Dooooh!!

This would imply Lotus really do plan to return to F1. Otherwise, it would be free advertising for them regardless of the F1 teams success. One doesn't turn down free advertising unless one has "other plans".

The plot thickens.

Rob

...m... · 06-11-2009, 10:04 AM

THE DRAMA!

...seriously, i think this is all exaggeration for the sake of exciting stories - there's nothing whatsoever in group lotus' initial press release beyond standard trademark maintenance, and no reason to infer animosity between the two entities...

ads_green · 06-12-2009, 06:32 AM

All a moot point now - FIA hasn't shortlisted Team Lotus in the official team entry list

dickedup · 06-12-2009, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ...m...

THE DRAMA!

...seriously, i think this is all exaggeration for the sake of exciting stories - there's nothing whatsoever in group lotus' initial press release beyond standard trademark maintenance, and no reason to infer animosity between the two entities...

It is Friday after all.

So good chilled.

...m... · 06-12-2009, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dickedup

So good chilled.

...meant to be had hot, though...

dickedup · 06-12-2009, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ...m...

...meant to be had hot, though...

You may have missed the boat on this being in that azz-backwards Texas but cold sake has been de rigueur in California sushi bars for over 5 years now.

Try some. Believe the World Market has a decent selection as they're California-based.

glacialmoraine · 06-18-2009, 01:48 PM

This is just legal posturing.

Lotus has no intention of actually winning anything from team lotus. they just need to protect their trademarks, or anyone can use them.

So, it is a lawsuit that is all show. They probably warned team lotus it was coming, but they have to do it, and team lotus knows that.

Lotus Fury · 06-25-2009, 11:21 AM

Team Lotus is a completely separate company. They have full rights to the Team Lotus name.

Team Lotus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It doesn't matter much anyhow:

Quote:

However, when the 2010 entry list was released, 12 June 2009, the name of Team Lotus was not one of those selected to compete.

2010 FIA Formula One World Championship Entry List

Bavarian Motorist · 06-25-2009, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robains

Dooooh!!

This would imply Lotus really do plan to return to F1. Otherwise, it would be free advertising for them regardless of the F1 teams success. One doesn't turn down free advertising unless one has "other plans".

The plot thickens.

Rob

Yeah...dream on

steves1986 · 07-20-2009, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robains

Dooooh!!

This would imply Lotus really do plan to return to F1. Otherwise, it would be free advertising for them regardless of the F1 teams success. One doesn't turn down free advertising unless one has "other plans".

The plot thickens.

Rob

I do agree with you completely.

Monsi · 07-21-2009, 10:41 AM

I'm told you drink good sake cold and crap sake hot

tsunami racer · 07-21-2009, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monsi

I'm told you drink good sake cold and crap sake hot

not always the case but a good general rule of thumb. but i'm more of a shochu (wheat on rocks) kinda guy. you're starting to find that at decent japanese restaurants now.

back on topic, regardless of who's doing what, it would be neat to see the lotus name back in F1, assuming there is such a thing next year

Serebo1 · 07-21-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robains

Dooooh!!

This would imply Lotus really do plan to return to F1. Otherwise, it would be free advertising for them regardless of the F1 teams success. One doesn't turn down free advertising unless one has "other plans".

The plot thickens.

Rob

I disagree. Grid up a second rate F3 car vs. the top F1 teams and you're going to look BAD. Why would Lotus, who has an exemplary name in F1 suddenly want to be associated with being the worst of the manufacturer cars, especially with the launch of the Evora and new Esprit imminent?

Westrock · 10-17-2009, 03:27 PM

Sorry to bump this thread, but my name actually is David Hunt! haha, thats funny!

Well actually my full name is James David Hunt, I go by David. But James Hunt was a Formula One winner back in the 70's

mopho · 10-17-2009, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monsi

I'm told you drink good sake cold and crap sake hot

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsunami racer

not always the case but a good general rule of thumb.

dickedup · 10-17-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mopho

Couple shots of that cheap hot stuff and then off to a nice bottle of 2 Buck Chuck over ice.

Imolas54 · 10-17-2009, 04:25 PM

wouldn't it be funny if these guys start winning

fitfan · 10-17-2009, 05:36 PM

...well they certanly won't start winning in F1 since they won't be starting in F1

06-11-2009, 08:41 AM	#1 (permalink)
Administrator Administrator Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 188	Lotus Threatens Legal Action Against New Formula 1 Team Using Its Name In press release issued by Lotus Cars, the British exotic car maker takes issue with recent reports that a new Formula 1 team for 2010 will run under the banner of Team Lotus. The new team, however, says that's not the case. U.K.-based Litespeed Racing has already secured a sport on the 2010 F1 lineup and decided to run under the Team Lotus name, with the permission of the name's rights-holder David Hunt. When Lotus Cars Limited heard of this, it issued a release which clearly stated that, "Group Lotus plc will take all necessary steps to protect its name, reputation and brand image," a thinly veiled threat that the automaker will seek legal action if Litespeed continues with its plans. That all seems straightforward enough, except this morning a report in AutoSport suggests information to the contrary. An unnamed source inside the newly formed Team Lotus said, "We've kept Lotus fully informed of our intentions and are well aware of the need to protect its brand image. We look forward to having closer ties with it in the future." Is this all just a big misunderstanding, or is it possible that Lotus Cars has been made aware of Team Lotus' plans and is not amused? More: Lotus Threatens Legal Action Against New Formula 1 Team Using Its Name on AutoGuide.com

06-11-2009, 09:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
robains 2007 Exige S Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: CA, Bay Area Posts: 1,820	Dooooh!! This would imply Lotus really do plan to return to F1. Otherwise, it would be free advertising for them regardless of the F1 teams success. One doesn't turn down free advertising unless one has "other plans". The plot thickens. Rob __________________ '07 Exige S (Track Pack & LSD) + EFi 550ci injectors + Mahle 9:1 + DRS Port + SuperTech Valves + Weapon R Header + 2.9" pully + TODA Clutch + FF Engine Damper + RLS IC + Greddy catch cans + opened roof slot + RTD brace + Milled steering arms + Larini 8" + FF air intake + Moroso oil pan + Ultradisc 2 piece front/rear + Reverie 1650mm wing + ReVerie front splitter + IQ3 Dash + 4pt ASM + Pioneer AVIC-N2 nav + rear camera + RAC monolites 888s 195/225 + Lotus LSS Hoosier R6 205/225 @ 1921 lbs

06-11-2009, 10:04 AM	#3 (permalink)
...m... Denuo Volatilis Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,715	THE DRAMA! ...seriously, i think this is all exaggeration for the sake of exciting stories - there's nothing whatsoever in group lotus' initial press release beyond standard trademark maintenance, and no reason to infer animosity between the two entities... __________________ 2005 Federal Elise \| Touring \| Storm Titanium ...73,000 miles and aging beautifully... 2000 New Beetle \| Turbo \| Reflex Silver ...107,000 miles of steadfast service...

07-21-2009, 10:41 AM	#12 (permalink)
Monsi Statistical Anomaly Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kauai Posts: 2,291 Images: 21	I'm told you drink good sake cold and crap sake hot __________________ Dude, there's my car!

10-17-2009, 03:27 PM	#15 (permalink)
Westrock Haxord but mine Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 1,338	Sorry to bump this thread, but my name actually is David Hunt! haha, thats funny! Well actually my full name is James David Hunt, I go by David. But James Hunt was a Formula One winner back in the 70's __________________ -David 2006 Storm Ti Exige + VF Stage 2 Vision Function Supercharger Install Thread Stereo Harness Info \| Exige with no wing??

06-12-2009, 06:32 AM	#4 (permalink)
ads_green Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 348	All a moot point now - FIA hasn't shortlisted Team Lotus in the official team entry list

06-18-2009, 01:48 PM	#8 (permalink)
glacialmoraine Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 136	This is just legal posturing. Lotus has no intention of actually winning anything from team lotus. they just need to protect their trademarks, or anyone can use them. So, it is a lawsuit that is all show. They probably warned team lotus it was coming, but they have to do it, and team lotus knows that.

10-17-2009, 04:25 PM	#18 (permalink)
Imolas54 ToYoTa dRiVeR Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 1,432	wouldn't it be funny if these guys start winning __________________ It's Never Enough...

10-17-2009, 05:36 PM	#19 (permalink)
fitfan Regurgitated User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Diego! Posts: 4,089	...well they certanly won't start winning in F1 since they won't be starting in F1 __________________ Driving it around!

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