Haas has opened legal proceedings against ex-Formula 1 Team Principal Guenther Steiner over alleged trademark breaches in his ‘Surviving to Drive’ autobiography.
But Haas Automation, the F1 operation’s parent company, has claimed that Steiner and publisher Ten Speed Press have used images that contravene trademark rules.
Court papers submitted in the Central District of California, West Division read: “In 2023, without permission or consent from Haas Automation, Steiner authored, marketed, promoted, sold, distributed, and profited from a publication titled “Surviving to Drive” (the “Accused Product”), which unlawfully used and displayed, and continues to use and display, the Haas Automation Trademarks and the Haas Automation Trade Dress for Steiner’s personal financial gain and illicit profit.
“Haas Automation never consented to Steiner’s use of the Haas Automation Trademarks or the Haas Automation Trade Dress on the Accused Product.”
The documents state that Haas had reached out to Steiner to express its concerns but received no response, prompting the legal action that has now been instigated.
Haas believes it is entitled to compensation based on the revenue Steiner has amassed from the book and has requested a trial by jury with the court to settle matters.
“Haas Automation gave pre-lawsuit notice to Steiner but to date Steiner has taken no action to cease or mitigate his infringing acts, necessitating the instant lawsuit,” it said.
“Steiner sells and promotes the Accused Product in various mediums, including without limitation print and digital, in violation of Haas Automation’s exclusive intellectual property rights.
“Information available online indicates that as of January 2024, the Accused Product has exceeded sales of at least 150,000 units and generated revenue of at least $4,500,000.”
Steiner had been in charge at Haas since the team’s inception in 2016, but owner Gene Haas chose to not renew his contract amid its slump to last in the championship.
