Press Release
PAULINE
HAILWOOD SAYS LITIGATION WAS A "LAST RESORT"
MARBELLA,
Spain, October 1, 2001 -- On July 20, 2001, Pauline Hailwood filed
a lawsuit in US District Court in Newark, New Jersey, USA, naming
Ducati Motor Holding, S.p.A., Ducati North America, and others
as defendants for using the name of her late husband, motorcycle
racing legend, Mike Hailwood, without permission in connection
with Ducati's MH900e motorcycle.
After
months of unproductive negotiations with Ducati, who admits they
did not obtain permission to use Mike Hailwood's name, Mrs. Hailwood
felt she had no option but to pursue a legal remedy. In her statement,
Mrs. Hailwood notes that Mike Hailwood never rode the MH900e and
that no endorsement was given for use of her late husband's name
in connection the MH900e motorcycle.
"Mike
helped define an era. He was undoubtedly the best racer of all
time, both as a person and as a sportsman. Ducati was looking
for an icon to sell motorcycles. When someone of his stature is
used to sell a product,inescapably, people interpret it as an
endorsement. Ducati used Mike's name to draw attention to the
bike, and to make money from an implied association when there
was none. The MH900e is not a bike Mike ever rode. Regrettably,
many people think the bike is replica. It isn't. It is separated
by 22 years and a gulf in design and engineering from the bike
Mike rode to victory in 1978.
I
have been very selective on how Mike's name and image have been
used. Clearly, I would not have approved an advertising campaign
that states "Somewhere Mike Hailwood is smiling . . . and shifting
his Ducati into 6th gear." I have spent two decades mourning Mike
and Michelle's tragic deaths. In this, the 20th anniversary year
of Mike and Michelle's passing, Ducati did not even have the courtesy
to contact me for permission to use Mike's name, much less seek
my approval over the way in which Mike's name is used. This is
no tribute to Mike. This is corporate greed at its worst.
In
1999, before the MH900e was sold over the Internet, we contacted
Ducati about the Mike Hailwood Virtual Museum, and the family's
efforts to honor Mike's memory. This was before Ducati announced
production of the MH900e. Ducati did not respond. Adding insult
to injury, they made no effort to contact me after I made public
statements to the motorcycle press objecting to their plans to
manufacture the MH900e and labeling it with Mike's name.
This
did not have to become a public spectacle. Indeed, we told Ducati
over three months ago that we hoped to settle this quietly and
amicably. Regrettably, Ducati has been unwilling to come to an
agreement to allow for just compensation and respect due Mike
or his family. In the end, they said they had the right to use
Mike's name. And, by standing up for my rights,they said I had
illegally interfered with their business or contractual relations
with dealers. Due to Ducati's inability to take responsibility
for its actions, I was left with one unfortunate course of action.
They gave us very little hope this would ever be resolved otherwise.
It
is not the easiest to put yourself in the litigation process.
It displeases me greatly that I have to stand up to Ducati in
this manner. Litigation is a last resort. But, I feel disappointed
that Ducati felt that they could use Mike's name with impunity.
As a man, Mike stood for fair play and sportsmanship. I think
that somewhere Mike is smiling -- proud that his wife and son
are standing up for what is right and proper.
The
words MIKE HAILWOOD, MIKE THE BIKE, MH, and the phrase FOR THE
LOVE OF THE SPORT, are trademarks of the Estate of Mike Hailwood.
The likeness, name, and voice of Mike Hailwood are valuable property
rights owned by the Estate, in the United States, England, Spain
and elsewhere. Use of any of the Estate's trademarks for commercial,
as opposed to editorial purposes, without permission is strictly
prohibited by law.
Contact:
Lloyd J. Jassin, tel. +1 ( 212) 354 4442
ESTATE
OF LEGENDARY MOTORCYCLE RACER APPOINTS LICENSING DIRECTOR
New
York City, January 22, 2001 -- Pauline Hailwood, for the Estate
of Mike Hailwood, announced the appointment today of Lloyd Jassin,
as the Estate's exclusive licensing agent. In commenting upon
Mr. Jassin's appointment, Mrs. Hailwood, said, "Lloyd brings a
wealth of media, merchandising and entrepreneurial experience
to the Mike Hailwood organisation." Mr. Jassin has held various
business and legal affairs positions in the television, publishing,
licensing and advertising industries, working with such "evergreen"
properties as "The Honeymooners," "Mighty Mouse," "The Twilight
Zone," and "Mobil Travel Guides"
Ten
times World Motor Cycle Champion "Mike the Bike", was recently
voted "Motorcyclist of the Millennium" by motorcycle publications
"Motor Cycle News" of Britain and "Motociclismo" of Spain. He
received the George Medal, Britain's highest medal awarded to
civilians for bravery, for his heroic rescue of Clay Regazzoni
who was trapped in his car, engulfed in flames, after crashing
at Kyalami [South African F1 Grand Prix] in 1973. Mike
is best remembered for his unbelievable 1978 comeback to win the
Isle of Man T.T. and with it, his 10th World Championship. Mike
died tragically in England along with his daughter Michelle on
23rd March 1981.
"Mike
Hailwood remains motorcycle racing's most durable and revered
legend," said Jassin, noting the 20th anniversary of Mike the
Bike's tragic death. The Estate is currently in negotiations to
bring licensed apparel, calendars, posters, and other MIKE HAILWOOD
and MIKE THE BIKE properties, to the retailer. THE MIKE HAILWOOD
story has recently been optioned for a full-length motion picture
and a special memorial is being planned for the Isle Mann TT this
summer.
"We
are happy to work with new licensees who are interested in using
the name, voice, signature or likeness of Mike Hailwood in connection
with commercial products or services," stated Jassin.
Simultaneously
with this announcement, the Estate unveiled its redesigned Website,
www.mikethebike.com. The relaunched site features enhanced navigation
and quick access to information regarding Mike Hailwood and MIKE
HAILWOOD products.
The
words MIKE HAILWOOD, MIKE THE BIKE, MH, and the phrase FOR THE
LOVE OF THE SPORT, are trademarks of the Estate of Mike Hailwood.
The likeness, name, and voice of Mike Hailwood are valuable property
rights owned by the Estate, in the United States, England, Spain
and elsewhere. Use of any of the Estate's trademarks without permission
is strictly prohibited by law.
Licensing
opportunities include: .Helmets .Jackets & Vests .Gloves .Pants
.Limited Edition Posters and Prints .Tool Kits .Luggage &
Tank Bags, Etc. .Goggles .Motorcycle Covers .Helmet Sacks . Watches
.T-Shirts .Hats .Care & Maintenance .Products .Calendars .Videos
For
more information contact:
Kelcey
Wells
Suite 400
The Jassin Office
The Actors' Equity Bldg.
1560 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
212-354-4442 (t)
212-840-1124 (f)
For
more information about Mike Hailwood please visit http//www.mikethebike.com.
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