Harley-Davidson's Six-Year Battle to Trademark its "Potato-Potato" Engine Sound

The iconic American manufacturer filed a trademark application in 1994, asserting that the unique rhythmic exhaust note, stemming from its 45-degree V-twin engine and single-crankpin design, was instantly recognizable and proprietary. This uneven firing sequence creates the signature "potato-potato-potato" sound. However, the bid faced strong opposition from other motorcycle manufacturers who argued that similar sounds were achievable and that an engine sound served a functional purpose, not a brand-identifying one. Harley-Davidson ultimately withdrew its application in 2000, after accumulating millions in legal costs.