Apple Acquires 'Lightning' Trademark From Harley-Davidson

Apple has acquired rights to the 'Lightning' trademark from Harley-Davidson, reports Patently Apple.

The EU Patent & Trademark Office officially published two Apple trademark applications for "Lightning" under numbers 011399821/862. What's interesting about this filing is that it clearly illustrates that Apple had acquired the trademark from Harley-Davidson which is still protected until 2013. One of the documents indicate that the transfer may have officially occurred yesterday, November 24, 2012, the date that it appeared in the EU's public trademark database.

Notably, it appears that this may have been a partial transfer allowing Harley-Davidson to retain its rights to use the trademark for motorcycle related items. You can see a reference to the 'partial' transfer at the bottom of the first image.


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