Lauren Konrai-Mori
You have a trademark registration – now what? Now it’s time to police your rights. What does it look like to police your trademark? Let’s take a look at Harley-Davidson.
Harley-Davidson currently has almost 300 pending and registered trademarks with the USPTO. The Copyright Office database shows that Harley-Davidson also has nearly 50 copyright registrations. In addition to their strong trademark and copyright prosecution efforts, Harley-Davidson has been very active in policing their rights. In the past, Harley-Davidson has been involved in a number of copyright infringement cases, the most notable case against SunFrog for selling Harley-Davidson apparel and merchandise without authorization.
Harley-Davidson has also pursued a number of trademark infringement cases. One notable trademark infringement case was brought by Harley-Davidson against Urban Outfitters for selling altered Harley-Davidson clothing. Most recently, Harley-Davidson filed suit against an individual in December 2023, for selling clothing and other merchandise bearing the Harley-Davidson marks.
Harley-Davidson’s efforts in policing unauthorized use of their marks gives insight into the importance of protecting intellectual property rights. Harley-Davidson has become a brand known by the average consumer, and through its enforcement efforts, a brand known by other brands not to be infringed upon. Policing one’s intellectual property rights helps protect the brand’s reputation and goodwill by preventing others from selling counterfeit items or altered items without consent.
At Renner Otto, the oldest intellectual property firm in Cleveland, we specialize in assisting our clients as they develop efficient Intellectual Property strategies that are tailored to their business’s needs. This includes our client’s need to police and enforce their intellectual property rights.
Our attorneys are knowledgeable on a wide range of domestic and international IP issues, and we partner with Firms around the world to better serve our clients. Someone from the Renner Otto team would be happy to discuss this topic or any related Intellectual Property matters. Contact us for a complimentary consultation to see how we can help your business move your innovation forward.
The attorneys at Renner Otto strive to be authorities in all matters concerning the ever-evolving landscape of Intellectual Property; however, the information provided is not intended to be legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship.
