The Harley-Davidson motorcycle company, which had a copyright on the word "hog," applied for exclusive right to its engine sound. Why would a company want copyrights on two such mundane things?
Have you ever listed to the distinctive and very loud "in your face" sound of a Harley motorcycle? It is one of the main reasons a particular segment of the population buys them. A case could also be made that the loud and distinctive engine sound contributes to safety, because cars tend to get out of their way. The company wants to retain that exclusivity, and has managed to do so. The same goes for the word "hog" which Harley owners are proud to apply to their vehicles.
Companies may seek copyrights on seemingly mundane things like words or sounds for various reasons. In the case of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle company, there are a couple of potential reasons for their interest in obtaining copyrights.
1. Branding and Identity: Harley-Davidson is a well-known motorcycle brand that has built a strong brand identity over the years. By copyrighting words like "hog" and seeking exclusive rights to their engine sound, they can protect their brand identity and ensure that these elements are uniquely associated with their products. This helps in preventing any confusion in the market and maintaining their brand image.
2. Competitive Advantage: Copyrighting certain words or sounds allows companies to establish a competitive advantage over their rivals. By obtaining exclusive rights to specific elements, they can limit the use of those elements by others in similar industries. This can help create a unique selling point for the company and potentially impact consumer preferences.
It is worth noting that while a copyright typically grants exclusive rights to creative works like literature, music, or visual art, it can also extend to other elements that are considered original and distinct. In the case of the Harley-Davidson company, they likely sought copyrights on words and sounds to protect their brand identity and maintain a competitive edge in the market.