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F1 News & Discussions => F1 Teams => Topic started by: cosworth151 on May 15, 2019, 03:16:02 PM

Title: Legal Problems for Haas Title Sponsor
Post by: cosworth151 on May 15, 2019, 03:16:02 PM
Rich Energy, title sponsor of the Haas F1 team, has lost a legal battle over its trademark. The judge even singled out F1 in her ruling.

UK-based Whyte Bikes brought the case against Rich Energy as it claimed the energy drinks company had copied its stag logo, which the bike manufacturer had created in December 2008.

In the introduction to her decision, Her Honor Judge Melissa Clarke stated: “What is sought, amongst other things, is an injunction which would require the removal of the logo of the First Defendant, Rich Energy Limited, from the Formula 1 race car and website of the Rich Energy Haas Formula 1 motor racing team.”

I was a big fan of Super Aguri. Their downfall was hastened when their main sponsor, SS United Group, ran afoul of the legal system. I hope history doesn't repeat itself.

https://racer.com/2019/05/14/haas-title-sponsor-rich-energy-loses-court-case-over-logo/
Title: Re: Legal Problems for Haas Title Sponsor
Post by: John S on May 15, 2019, 04:21:55 PM
What's more worrying for Haas must be getting paid at all, have you ever seen or heard of anyone drinking a can of Rich Energy?  ;)
Title: Re: Legal Problems for Haas Title Sponsor
Post by: Jericoke on May 15, 2019, 04:40:10 PM
Create a new logo, move on.

I have no idea what Rich Energy is, or what they're trying to convey with a deer as a logo.  When I think of deer I think of timid or prey.  I doubt the title sponsor of an F1 team is trying to produce an image of timidity. 

I doubt Rich Energy intended to copy anyone, but I agree they did.  I think that they should just be allowed to use a new logo with no further punishment.
Title: Re: Legal Problems for Haas Title Sponsor
Post by: guest3164 on May 15, 2019, 05:03:48 PM
In Britain where Rich Energy are from, the Stag is a noble beast so I think RE are trying to portray that image.  Something proud and emblematic.  However, their logo was clearly a rip off and the brand just has something fishy about it.  I am glad Williams dodged that bullet. 

One might also say the Stag, like the Red Bull logo, is a horny beast, but that has other connotations altogether  :DD
Title: Re: Legal Problems for Haas Title Sponsor
Post by: Jericoke on May 15, 2019, 08:13:05 PM
In Britain where Rich Energy are from, the Stag is a noble beast so I think RE are trying to portray that image.  Something proud and emblematic.  However, their logo was clearly a rip off and the brand just has something fishy about it.  I am glad Williams dodged that bullet. 

One might also say the Stag, like the Red Bull logo, is a horny beast, but that has other connotations altogether  :DD

The most famous stag in North America is Bambi and... that name generally does not connote anyone noble.  :-*
Title: Re: Legal Problems for Haas Title Sponsor
Post by: cosworth151 on May 15, 2019, 08:18:05 PM
Few towns of any size in the States don't have an Elks Lodge. And then, of course, there are "stag parties." BTW, Stag Party was the original name that Hugh Hefner picked for his mag. When he ran into trademark issues, he changed it to Playboy.

The less said about the Triumph Stag, the better.
Title: Re: Legal Problems for Haas Title Sponsor
Post by: Scott on May 15, 2019, 09:34:33 PM
New logo, pay the lawyers and move on.  Use the head of Ritchie Rich for all I care.
Title: Re: Legal Problems for Haas Title Sponsor
Post by: Dare on May 16, 2019, 01:37:53 AM
Few towns of any size in the States don't have an Elks Lodge. And then, of course, there are "stag parties." BTW, Stag Party was the original name that Hugh Hefner picked for his mag. When he ran into trademark issues, he changed it to Playboy.

The less said about the Triumph Stag, the better.

Don't forget the Moose Lodge
Title: Re: Legal Problems for Haas Title Sponsor
Post by: Dare on May 16, 2019, 01:39:34 AM
What's more worrying for Haas must be getting paid at all, have you ever seen or heard of anyone drinking a can of Rich Energy?  ;)


Couldn't be any worse than Red Bull.
Title: Re: Legal Problems for Haas Title Sponsor
Post by: Alianora La Canta on May 16, 2019, 06:29:12 AM
Create a new logo, move on.

I have no idea what Rich Energy is, or what they're trying to convey with a deer as a logo.  When I think of deer I think of timid or prey.  I doubt the title sponsor of an F1 team is trying to produce an image of timidity. 

Male deer (and it must be male, with those antlers) in rutting season are notoriously aggressive and feisty, because they fight each other for does. If they weren't going for the "noble and British" angle, that's what Rich Energy will have been trying to do.

A new logo presents no problems whatsoever for Haas, it's only Rich Energy that needs to do anything. And if they weren't paying, then they'd have stopped paying before this (SS Energy did one payment at the start of 2007 and not thereafter).
Title: Re: Legal Problems for Haas Title Sponsor
Post by: cosworth151 on May 16, 2019, 04:01:25 PM
I remember Paul Stoddard putting "Not Paid" stickers across the logo of one of Minardi's sponsors that missed payments. I think it was at Suzuka in 2003.

I really miss him!
Title: Re: Legal Problems for Haas Title Sponsor
Post by: Scott on July 14, 2019, 10:18:18 AM
Stoddard was a great F1 character.  So sad he has never made it back to the grid.
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