When Apple dumped the 30-pin dock connector in exchange for a new power connector called Lightning to power its latest iDevices, many were ambivalent about the move. For Apple users, the new connector is good news. It’s smaller, sturdier, and reversible, which means that users won’t have to worry about which side is the top or the bottom. On the other side, there’s the American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson, who incidentally happens to own the licensing trademark of “Lightning.”
Patently Apple writes that the Cupertino-based technology giant had to acquire the trademark from the motorcycle manufacturer. Trademark applications for the name “Lightning” were published by the EU Patent & Trademark Office on Sunday, indicating that Apple bought the trademark from Harley-Davidson. However, Patently Apple adds that the trademark is still protected until next year. Apparently Harley-Davidson uses the trademark “Lightning” for its products, ranging from helmets to eye glasses, and from motorcycle electrical parts to computer game programs. How much Apple paid remains to be seen.
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