Hot on the heels of news that Force India are suing Lotus for using their intellectual property without consent, Lotus have signed Force India design director Mark Smith.

Earlier this week, both Force India and Lotus confirmed the legal action with the former stating that they believe "Lotus Racing, via its use of Aerolab and Fondtech facilities and data, has utilised and benefited from the use of Force India F1 Team's intellectual property."

Lotus, though, denied any wrong doing, releasing a statement of their own, saying: "Aerolab/Fondtech vigorously denies any wrong doing and has provided Lotus Racing with a full indemnity in relation to the claim."

Adding fuel to the fire, Lotus have now confirmed that they had signed not one but three of Force India's technical team in Smith, Lewis Butler and Marianne Hinson. The latter two will take the roles of chief designer and head of aerodynamics respectively.

"I'm exceptionally pleased to welcome Marianne and Lewis to Lotus Racing, and I'm very excited to once again be teaming up with Mark Smith who I have previously worked with at Jordan, Renault and Force India," said Lotus tech boss Mike Gascoyne.

"Lewis and I were together at Force India, and Lewis also worked with Mark Smith at Red Bull, and Marianne and I have known each other since 1999 when I gave her her first job in F1 at Jordan, so we all know each other very well.

"Mark Smith and I were first at Jordan together where our first car was the 199, Jordan's most successful F1 entrant, and then he came with me to Renault where we helped put them back on the top step of the podium, and put in place the team that went on to win two World Championships.

"Most recently we were together at Force India, and I'm delighted he sees the potential we have here, and has seized the opportunity to work with me, Tony (Fernandes) and the whole team on helping Lotus Racing reach the front of the grid."

Team owner Fernandes added: "I am honoured that these fantastic talents have put their careers and their faith in Lotus Racing, and see the very bright future we all have together here.

"Formula 1 is a small world and the fact that they are coming to our team shows what we have already achieved in a very short period.

"Nothing will stop us from bringing in the best people we can, and we will give them the best working environment, and create the perfect atmosphere for them to fulfill their own potential, and help us in our quest to reach the top."