09/05/2011
NEWS STORY
"The long-running battle over the use of the Lotus name in Formula One is set to return to the High Court by the end of May, when the High Court judge will decide which of the opposing litigants is the rightful owner of the brand," comments Tim Lowles, an associate in the motorsport team at leading law firm Collyer Bristow.
""Whatever the outcome, the impact on the sport and sponsorship deals is likely to be significant," he continues. However, the recent news that Team Lotus (1MalaysiaF1) has acquired Caterham Cars puts an even more interesting spin on the affair. Obviously, Team Lotus' Tony Fernandes is keen to show he means business in the motorsport world.
"With two teams claiming the Lotus name, we're still seeing four cars lining up on the starting grid with Lotus branding. Spain and Monaco later this month are likely to see the same scenario. However, come the seventh race of the season in Canada in June, the outcome of the High Court judge's decision is likely to be quite visible in the liveries of the cars taking to the track."