F1 News: Formula 1 Pulled Up By Indianapolis Motor Speedway For Trademark Infringement

'The Greatest Spectacle In Racing' cannot be used by Formula 1.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) has raised concerns with Formula 1 for unauthorized use of one of the track's trademarks, namely 'The Greatest Spectacle In Racing.' This infringement happened not once, but twice during the 2023 season.

Key Takeaways:

• Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) raised concerns over Formula 1's unauthorized use of its trademark, 'The Greatest Spectacle In Racing,' in 2023.
• Trademarked since 1986, discussions last year between IMS and Liberty Media officials addressed the issue, but no resolution seems to have been reached.
• IMS, disappointed by repeated infringements, is committed to protecting its intellectual property rights and plans to address the matter with the involved parties.

The phrase has been officially trademarked by Hulman and Company, the previous owner of IMS for several decades, before the sale to Roger Penske five years ago, in 1986.

Last year, discussions between IMS president Doug Boles and officials from Liberty Media, the commercial rights holders of F1, were confirmed regarding the alleged infringements. However, it could be possible that an agreement has not been reached between the two parties. 

In the previous year, rapper LL Cool J described the sport as "the greatest spectacle in motorsports" while introducing the drivers before the Miami Grand Prix. The second instance of infringement occurred in a video related to the lead-up to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where it referred to the event as "the greatest racing spectacle on the planet."

LL Cool J introduces all 20 drivers at the Miami Grand Prix 🎤 pic.twitter.com/AEQlzsak0t

— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) May 7, 2023

Not only that, as the new season approached, a broadcaster can be heard describing F1 as "the greatest spectacle in motorsports" in a segment for the US network ESPN. Thus, repeated trademark infringements have left Boles disappointed, who has decided to "address" the matter with the right people.

He added that IMS is willing to go to any length to protect the brand's intellectual property rights. He told IndyStar:

“We are aware of the use of our mark in what appears to be a broadcast promotional spot. We will once again address it with the appropriate people and are prepared to take every measure possible to protect our brand’s intellectual property.

“It continues to be disappointing that others can’t create their own brand identity without infringing upon ours.”

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