Earlier, wrote:

IIRC they claimed trademark protection, not patent.

And they won.

Trademark instad of patent, yes. But as for winning, Unka Cecil tells
it different:

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/000915.html

...The Japanese put it more diplomatically when
fighting Harley's trademark request, arguing
that all big motorcycles sound pretty much the
same. After six years of legal proceedings and
no resolution in sight, Harley caved, claiming
it had won in the court of public opinion,
etc...

This SF Chronicle article says that they dropped the trademark attempt
in 2000:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...618EDT0176.DTL

Thanks, and best regards to all

Bob K.
http://www.hpaircraft.com