In a recent development, Formula One has initiated legal proceedings against Bonanza Gift Shop and its sister property, Crazy Ely, situated in Las Vegas.
The lawsuit centers around allegations of trademark counterfeiting, trademark infringement, and unfair competition, stemming from the sale of counterfeit Formula 1 merchandise during the inaugural 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
According to documents filed in court, Formula One dispatched investigators to the shops during the race weekend.
The investigators confiscated 69 counterfeit items from Crazy Ely before moving on to Bonanza Gift Shop, where they found the shelves had been cleared of any infringing merchandise.
Formula One estimates that approximately 2,400 counterfeit items were ordered, leading the organization to pursue a jury trial and potentially seek damages of up to $1 million from the gift shop owner.
This legal action is not an isolated incident for Formula One and the Las Vegas Grand Prix, as they have faced multiple lawsuits since the race’s inception in 2023.
In a related case, Formula One has filed suit against E & B Wholesalers in May 2025, alleging that the wholesaler manufactured and supplied counterfeit F1 and Las Vegas Grand Prix apparel to various local businesses.
It is claimed that E & B produced over 500 pieces of counterfeit merchandise, which were distributed to at least four local shops, including Bonanza Gift Shop.
Currently, this lawsuit is ongoing with an update expected in October 2025.
Another significant lawsuit involves a class action from fans regarding the delayed practice sessions during the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The suit, filed against Liberty Media—Formula One’s parent company—and Las Vegas Paving, argues that around 35,000 fans who purchased Thursday tickets for practice sessions should be compensated, potentially amounting to $5 billion.
As of February 2025, the assigned judge dismissed the suit against Las Vegas Paving and requested the plaintiffs to amend their complaint.
The case status remains partially dismissed.
Additionally, Ellis Island Casino has also sued Formula One, claiming that the organization’s 2023 event setup severely hindered access for patrons, resulting in millions of dollars in lost revenue.
The casino, a historic family-owned establishment located near the street circuit, had an arrangement to operate private viewing decks and grandstands separate from those sold by Formula One during the event.
However, due to the ongoing lawsuit, these plans were abandoned for the 2024 race.
The case against Formula One from Ellis Island has since been dismissed, and as of May 2025, the casino has entered an agreement to become an official partner of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Similarly, Battista’s Hole in the Wall and Stage Door Casino filed a lawsuit against Formula One, citing significant revenue losses due to road closures and construction around the 2023 Grand Prix.
This lawsuit pointed to the removal of a temporary bridge on Flamingo Road—a major thoroughfare that connects residents and tourists to Las Vegas Boulevard—as a key factor impacting their business.
Fortunately for these establishments, a settlement agreement has been reached, resolving the conflict amicably.
Despite the numerous legal challenges faced by Formula One and the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the race is expected to remain an annual event until at least 2027.
As the third year of operation approaches, Formula One fans and Las Vegas residents alike are hopeful that a balance can be struck between hosting a world-class sporting event and ensuring respect for local infrastructure and economic well-being.
The unfolding legal landscape reflects the complexities of establishing a high-profile event within a bustling urban environment like Las Vegas, as community interests and commercial ambitions collide.
As future races loom, both Formula One and local stakeholders must navigate these challenges to foster a healthy relationship moving forward.
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