Formula One’s (F1) recently redesigned logo might have to be dropped amid concerns that it bears a striking resemblance to a trade mark already registered by stationary giant 3M, it has emerged.
The news comes after F1 was taken over by US investment firm Liberty Media in January 2017 for a sum of £6 million, and redesigned its iconic 23-year-old logo shortly afterwards to enable Liberty to ‘stamp its mark’ on the sport.
The new, much simpler logo was first unveiled at last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, consisting of a curved stripe crossed over by a white line.
However, when F1 submitted a trade mark application to protect the new logo with the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) shortly afterwards, this was met with opposition from 3M.
The office equipment supplier, which is well-known for its Post-it Notes and Scotch tape, claimed that the design of F1’s new logo was too similar to its own, which had been registered as a pan-European trade mark back in June 2017.
Shortly afterwards, Liberty Media received correspondence from the EUIPO confirming that the opposition had been “found admissible” in principle due to this registration.
It confirmed that “the adversarial part of the opposition proceedings will begin on 27/08/2018.”
“The time limit for you to submit your observations in reply expires on 26/12/2018,” it added.
Over the years, 3M’s design has appeared on products ranging from knee straps and ankle supports to compression tights, the brand says.
The fact that F1 has recently launched a line of clothing featuring its new logo is thought to have further exacerbated tensions between the two parties.
Reports suggest that the duo could be on the brink of a lengthy legal battle unless F1 moves to bring opposition proceedings to an end by trying to negotiate a private settlement.
Either way, it is thought that F1 will be forced to drop the new design.