Pirelli scrapped unique US Grand Prix trophies over copyright issue

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Formula 1 tyre supplier Pirelli faced a last-minute scramble at the US Grand Prix after being forced to ditch its one-of-a-kind trophies due to a potential copyright infringement.

As the official title sponsor of the event at The Circuit of the Americas, Pirelli had commissioned a special "Heroo" trophy designed by Italian artist Matteo Macchiavelli to mark the Austin race.

The original trophies featured a sleek black body with articulating carbon fiber arms and a chromed head, with the finish of the head corresponding to the podium position: gold (infused with real gold dust) for first, silver for second, and titanium for third.

However, these eye-catching trophies never made it to the podium. Instead, race-winner Charles Leclerc received a traditional piece of silverware, while Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who finished second and third respectively, were given Pirelli mini-tyre trophies.

Read also: US Grand Prix promoters hit with €500,000 fine after track invasion

Pirelli confirmed to Motorsport.com after the race that both the company and the event promoter decided to pull the custom-designed awards after becoming “aware of potential similarities with other designs.”

The move was apparently in response to concerns that the trophies resembled the work of Bearbrick, a popular brand known for its collectible designer figures.

The 'Heroo' trophies had been introduced earlier in the week, with Pirelli showcasing them on the grid the day before the race, even giving the trophies paddock pass credentials as part of the promotional effort.

Pirelli had also initially planned to sell collectible “art toys” of the design to the public, which may have further contributed to the copyright concerns.

As a result, the original press release announcing the special design was quickly removed from Pirelli's website.

While the trophies were not used as intended, the unexpected withdrawal highlighted the increasing importance of intellectual property considerations in the world of Formula 1.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.