Have re-edited this article in light of further information that has since come to light:
It appears that Team Lotus have had the initial hearing go largely in their favour with regard to the Lotus naming dispute although Group can claim certain areas where they have come out on top.
Mr Justice Peter Smith today gave his judgement in the dispute between Group Lotus plc and Team Lotus, Tony Fernandes and others in respect of the right to use the name “Lotus" in Formula 1.
Judgement Summary
Team Lotus allowed to continue running under their current name.
Group Lotus has the right to use the name “Lotus" on its own within Formula 1 but cannot enter the name Lotus for a team (chassis builder).
Group Lotus entitled to race in the historic black and gold livery.
1Malaysia Racing Team (1MRT) ruled to be in breach of licence agreement, Group Lotus awarded damages
Team Lotus Ventures Limited trademarks revoked for non-use
Group Lotus trade marks unaffected
Group Lotus has the right to use the Lotus marque on cars for road use
Group Lotus has goodwill associated with the name “Lotus" in Formula 1 and is free to compete in the sport under that name.
One area I am finding hard to confirm is whether GL or TL (or both) are permitted to use the Lotus roundel in F1. There are conflicting reports I've come across that appear to contradict one another.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/formula_one/13572332.stm
GL have already stated that they'll be appealing. TL have said they won't be challenging the ruling. Group Lotus want to gain 100% exclusivity for the Lotus naming rights and have thus far failed to obtain this.
Group Lotus 1 - Team Lotus 1
posted on 27/5/11
Beg to differ, the score is (0 - 0), nothing has changed, Group Louts can use the word Lotus in their name but not the racing Logo, Team Lotus can continue to use their name including their logo.
They were two seperate companies when the Lotus companies under the Chapman family went bust, Team Lotus was sold to David Hunt and Lotus cars was sold to General Motors before being sold to Proton.
posted on 27/5/11
I would agree with Theo but actually go a step further and call it -1/-1
Considering the costs so far to confirm that the status qui is as before
posted on 28/5/11
I'd go with the 1-1 at the moment too and expect Hernandes to re-ignite things. Not keen on Fernandes in light of the fiasco with Hunt, so I'm on the side of Group Lotus.
Good article all the same Biffo
posted on 28/5/11
Meant Fernandes,
Sorry, spelling error on the first one