A verdict over the long-running Lotus vs. Lotus court case between Team Lotus and sponsor of Renault, Group Lotus, could come to an end at the end of May according to a leading motorsport lawyer.
Both companies lay claim to the name within Formula One, resulting in a legal battle between the two. A verdict had been expected in April, but a lengthly delay has resulted in a late May, early June decision.
“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,” Pitpass quote Tim Lowles, an associate at law firm Collyer Bristow, as saying.
Lowles believes a decision will have a huge impact on the losing team, with possible sponsorship withdrawal, name and livery changes come the Canadian Grand Prix.
“Whatever the outcome, the impact on the sport and sponsorship deals is likely to be significant.
“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.”
