Former Haas Automation Inc. Formula One team principal Guenther Steiner and a Penguin Random House LLC subsidiary have filed a request with a federal judge to dismiss Haas Automation Inc.’s trademark lawsuit over photos used in Steiner’s autobiographical book. The suit, filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California, alleges that the inclusion of photos depicting Steiner and other team members in Team Haas clothing or racing cars constitutes trademark infringement.
In their dismissal motion, Steiner and Ten Speed Press argue that the photographic content is protected under the First Amendment. They label Haas’ claims as “frivolous,” asserting that accepting Haas’ theory of infringement could set a precedent where sports teams might sue authors for publishing memoirs containing images of team logos or uniforms.
The legal action against Steiner was initiated just days after he filed an employment lawsuit. Both Steiner and the publisher are not only seeking to dismiss the trademark allegations but have also requested attorneys’ fees under the pretense of free speech immunity.
For further context and ongoing updates on the case, please refer to the detailed coverage provided by Bloomberg Law.