Proton forbids the use of name “Team Lotus” for 2011
Proton, the parent company of Group Lotus has completely forbidden the reuse of its name, 'Team Lotus' in Formula One for next year’s season. Just a little while ago, it has been stated by the company that
they would ensure the brand identity is protected by taking all necessary steps.
The current team in Formula One run by the team boss, Tony Fernandes is called ‘Lotus Racing’ which does not have any connections with the old team other than the common team name.
During the last round of the season held in Singapore the previous week, Fernandes declared his intentions of changing the name of his team for the forth coming season. It was also reported that he has acquired
the rights to reuse the name from the old owner David Hunt.
However, just as the news got air, the Lotus Formula 1 team had started facing serious threats over the reuse of the old team’s title. It has been announced by the parent company of the former team that
they do not allow their name to be reused, and if it is done they will take legal action for its name’s re-branding.
In a statement given to the press on Monday, Proton announced that Group Lotus is the owner to all rights regarding the 'Lotus' name and the rights were never given to any individual who could further sell
them. Therefore, the name could never be used in the automotive world, including F1, without legally getting the rights.
As per the Proton statement given a while ago, "Last year, Tony Fernandes and 1 Malaysia Racing Team recognised this by taking a licence from Group Lotus to use the "Lotus" brand for the "Lotus Racing" team
in the current Formula 1 season. With Proton's agreement, Group Lotus has now terminated its licence to 1 Malaysia Racing Team to use the "Lotus Racing" brand in the 2011 and future Formula 1 seasons as a result of the flagrant and persistent breaches of the
licence by 1 Malaysia Racing Team, which were damaging to the "Lotus" brand.”
The name "Team Lotus" was bought from David Hunt, who previously opened a business called “Team Lotus Ventures Limited”, while now as the license is being cancelled Proton claims that Fernandes has always
known that the name has never been sold, and he also knew who the original owners are.
He further clarified that they understand the fact that Fernandes has a desire to re-establish the brand “Lotus Racing" however the original owners are afraid of the fact that the brand is rather losing
its legacy.
Lotus is one of the most valuable and well reputed brands of Formula 1 even today, and its legacy is unmatched in the sports’ history.
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