Harley-Davidson, often abbreviated as Harley, is a motorcycle manufacturer in America. Harley-Davidson sells heavyweight motorcycles designed for cruising on the highway. Harley-Davidson sustains a loyal brand community which keeps active through Harley-Davidson clubs and events. Licensing of the Harley-Davidson brand and logo accounted for $40 million of the company’s net revenue in 2010.
Harleys have a distinctive design and exhaust note and in 1994, the company filed a sound trade mark application. The distinctive sound of the motorcycle engine is produced by V-twin, common crankpin motorcycle engines when in use. Harley-Davidson competitors opposed the trade mark application, arguing that cruiser-style motorcycles of various brands use a single-crankpin V-twin engine which produce a similar sound.
These objections were followed by litigation. In 2000 Harley-Davidson dropped efforts to federally register its the sound of a Harley trade mark.
Harley-Davidson holds a range of famous trademarks that have become globally recognized symbols of the brand’s heritage and identity. The HARLEY-DAVIDSON name itself is one of the company’s most valuable marks, along with the Bar and Shield logo, which has been in use since 1910 and remains the core emblem of the brand.
The H-D abbreviation and the Harley nickname are also protected marks used widely in branding and merchandise. Harley-Davidson has trademarked several model names such as Sportster, Softail, Fat Boy, Road King, and Electra Glide, each representing distinct lines of motorcycles. Other well-known marks include the LiveWire (for its electric motorcycle range) and Screamin’ Eagle (used for high-performance parts and accessories).
Together, these trademarks represent not only products but a lifestyle closely associated with freedom, individuality, and American motorcycling culture.
