LOS ANGELES—Launching a lawsuit that legal experts are already calling ‘high-octane’ and ‘moderately smoky,’ famed action director Michael Bay has filed a $1.5 million complaint against Cadillac and the creative team behind their Formula 1 Super Bowl commercial, alleging the unauthorized use of “blatant Bay-isms” such as explosions, shimmering cars, and ‘an overall vibe of things going really, really fast.’

“Explosions, slow-motion American flags, and cars that go VROOM are signature elements of Michael’s creative genome. We think it’s only fair he be compensated for every time these ideas appear anywhere on Earth,” said Bay’s attorney, Brock Magnusson, who arrived at the press conference riding a wave of pyrotechnics. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, demands compensation for “emotional distress suffered when Cadillac detonated expectations without Bay’s permission.”

Cadillac has responded with a short statement: “We deeply respect Mr. Bay’s right to blow things up, but respectfully disagree that fireballs and revving engines were invented in 1996.” Sources close to the car manufacturer claim their next campaign will feature even more explosions, but with a disclaimer: “Not directed by Michael Bay—please don’t sue.”

Legal analyst Dr. Linda Flarp noted, “If Mr. Bay prevails in this case, expect further lawsuits against anyone who’s ever used lens flare, eagles, or a helicopter sunset shot. Spielberg, you’re on notice.”

Industry insiders say Bay is reportedly considering similar action against the Fourth of July, Monster Energy, and any child who’s ever shouted ‘Boom!’ while jumping a bike.