Trademarks have reportedly been filed for "Gear Knobs" by Jeremy Clarkson's law firm leading to speculation that it could be the title of his "Top Gear" rival on Amazon.
A BuzzFeed contributor uncovered documents filed by Clarkson's law firm Olswang that registered the trademark two weeks before their Amazon deal, reportedly worth £160 million, was formally announced. Per the document, the name can be used for TV shows and all kinds of merchandise related to cars and driving.
"Gear Knobs," its derivative "Gear Nobs" and the name "Speedbird" were all trademarked to a low-profile company called Newinco 1361 Limited.
BuzzFeed thinks "Speedbird" could be the Amazon show's version of The BBC's "The Stig" or a feature within it.
"Clarkson and [executive producer Andy] Wilman invented ['Top Gear's'] anonymous racecar driver 'The Stig' from a joke from their school days," according to the website.
Olswang appears to have registered the trademarks in secret before the name of Jeremy Clarkson's Amazon show is announced, according to The Telegraph.
Per the website, "they used a similar scheme to set up company Bedder 6 Ltd, which was in charge of 'Top Gear's' lucrative merchandising revenue."
The company was later sold back to the BBC which made the presenters multi-millionaires.
The alleged title may be silly but "it would be in tune with the laddish approach" Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are known for, according to The Guardian. The double entendre could also be "a challenge to the BBC."
"Could this be a sign that Clarkson's new show might be more controversial than 'Top Gear,' without the taste constraints of the BBC?" The Telegraph wondered.
Wilman and Hammond did mention that part of the reason they signed with Amazon is that they're not being told what to do on their show.
A spokesperson for Olswang reportedly declined to comment on the "Gear Knobs" trademark. Jeremy Clarkson's Amazon show has yet to announce its official title and premiere date.
