Bernie loses F1 trademark case

Formula One bosses failed to secure exclusive rights to the sport's 'F1' abbreviation on Thursday after Britain's Trademark Registry ruled against them.

Registry Official David Landau, relying on evidence from media coverage and online encyclopedia Wikpedia, found that the public would recognize Formula One as a type of sport rather than a brand name.

"As Wikpedia comments, F1 is the highest class of single-seat, open-wheel formula auto racing. There is no hint in the Wikpedia references to indicate that F1 is seen as anything other than a particular form of motor racing," he said.

Landau said the fact that the Formula One Group was the only organization organizing F1 races "does not mean that the public will perceive F1 as a trademark.

"It just means that currently it enjoys a monopoly on the races. However, if private owners of F1 cars race them on a friendly basis is that not an F1 race, if not on a commercial basis?" Reuters