Haas drops Rich Energy stag logos for Canadian GP

Haas title sponsors Rich Energy have requested the team removes its stag logos from its Formula 1 team branding and its car due to its ongoing legal dispute with Whyte Bikes.

Last month Rich Energy lost a court battle over its stag logo with Whyte Bikes claiming a copyright infringement.

Despite the stag logos remaining present at Haas for the Monaco Grand Prix, the title sponsors have requested the stag logo be taken off the US F1 team’s car, clothing and branding.

“We don’t want any media circus for [the] team whilst we contest [the] baseless case with Whyte Bikes and win [the case],” Rich Energy tweeted this morning.

Rich Energy became the title sponsor of Haas ahead of the 2019 season after an unsuccessful attempt by owner William Storey to buy the old Force India operation last year.

Whyte Bikes has sought a copyright infringement claim for against Rich Energy’s stag logo which appears on the Haas F1 car, team gear and the team website.

The Hastings-based Whyte Bikes had been granted an injunction and damages, as well as a declaration of invalidity, while Rich Energy has appealed the issue with a new hearing set to take place on June 27.

We have asked our partners @HaasF1Team to remove stag element from car this weekend. Whilst we own the stag trademarks & registrations worldwide Inc Canada we don't want any media circus for team whilst we contest baseless case with @WhyteBikes & win. #richenergy #CanadianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/VhCK1ret2E

— Rich Energy (@rich_energy) June 7, 2019