F1 commercial group sues American group over alleged trademark violations

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Formula 1 has long been known to be vigilant about defending its copyrights around the world and policing YouTube for unlicensed videos of the sport. It has now brought action in U.S. courts against alleged infringements on its copyrights.

Formula One World Championship Limited and Formula One Licensing BV filed suit U.S. District Court in New Jersey earlier this month seeking triple damages against 13 defendants, including including the Millville-based New Jersey Motorsports Park and its "F1 Karting" go-kart track, and other businesses including logistics companies operating under names with "F1" in their titles.

All of the businesses listed as defendants are affiliated with sports car racer R.J. Valentine – a class winner at the 2009 Rolex 24 at Daytona who is the only individual named in the suit – and his MBA Group, which manages the NJMP karting facility and "F1 Boston," an indoor karting facility in that city.

"Defendants' unauthorized use of the infringing F1 Marks in connection with their goods and solutions falsely suggests to their clients that their goods and services originate from or are otherwise sponsored, licensed or authorized by Formula One," the lawsuit states. "Defendants are consequently hijacking Formula One's renowned F1 Marks and falsely suggesting to the public that their goods and solutions are affiliated with Formula 1. Defendants are unlawfully exploiting the enormous goodwill in the F1 Brand. Defendants' actions are thereby causing harm both to the reputation of the F1 Brand and to the consuming public."

All of the businesses listed as defendants are affiliated with R.J Valentine and his firm, MBA Group, according to the lawsuit.

F1 New Jersey LLC, F1 Air Group LLC, F1 Long Island and F1 Boston. The only person named as a defendant is R.J. Valentine, the longtime sports car racer who co-drove to a class win at the 2009 Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona (in photo above).

The complaint: That companies Valentine is involved with, ranging from kart tracks to racetrack hospitality to air logistics, are using the F1 name and logos similar to those owned by Formula One to promote products.