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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.