Just a number of days after it emerged that Steiner was taking Haas to courtroom in North Carolina for non-payment of commissions he says he’s owed, it has change into recognized that Haas has launched its personal authorized motion in California.
In courtroom papers lodged within the Central District of California, Western Division, Haas argues that Steiner and his writer Ten Speed Press acted unlawfully in publishing photographs that it believes breached trademark guidelines.
Haas’ doc alleges: “In 2023, with out permission or consent from Haas Automation, Steiner authored, marketed, promoted, bought, distributed, and profited from a publication titled “Surviving to Drive” (the “Accused Product”), which unlawfully used and displayed, and continues to use and show, the Haas Automation Trademarks and the Haas Automation Trade Dress for Steiner’s private monetary achieve and illicit revenue.
“Haas Automation never consented to Steiner’s use of the Haas Automation Trademarks or the Haas Automation Trade Dress on the Accused Product.”
It mentioned that it had made Steiner conscious of its issues however had not acquired a passable response, which is what prompted its authorized motion.
“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,” the papers added.
“Steiner sells and promotes the Accused Product in numerous mediums, together with with out limitation print and digital, in violation of Haas Automation’s unique mental 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.”
Haas is searching for damages from the defendants and has requested the courtroom for a trial by jury over the matter.
The courtroom papers argue that Haas owns a number of federally associated emblems for its CNC machine instruments enterprise and motorsport actions, and it lays out the pictures within the guide – together with the entrance cowl – that it claims are illegal.
Steiner and Haas parted firm on the finish of final yr after his contract was not prolonged.
He had been with the Banbury-based squad since its formation in 2016 and had change into a cult determine in F1 circles thanks to his appearances within the Netflix: Drive to Survive collection.
If the California courtroom motion goes forward, then the important thing subject that may doubtless want to be evaluated is whether or not Steiner and Ten Press’s use of the photographs might be thought of truthful use.
Fair use does allow people and writer to use different’s emblems with out consent for quite a lot of functions, together with commentary, criticism, information reporting and comedy.
