Harley-Davidson wins court battle with Screaming Eagle

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Harley-Davidson has triumphed in the Battle of the Tasseled Vests.

While Harley-Davidson has used the Screamin’ Eagle name to brand performance parts and clothing for years, there’s a Canadian company that’s owned the similar Screaming Eagle trademark here for a couple decades. You’ve probably seen their traveling sales show set up at a convention center or hotel near you, offering a complete set of leathers for $500, or something like that.

Jamal Berrada, president of 3222381 Canada Inc. and El Baraka Inc., had sued the MoCo, alleging the Screamin’ Eagle branded clothes Harley-Davidson was selling in their dealerships was hurting his own business and confusing customers. The Federal Court of Canada disagreed, though; last week, they said Harley-Davidson could continue to use the name. They also said that while Harley-Davidson’s actions didn’t indicate dealing in bad faith, the same couldn’t be said of Berreda’s company; the court said they had even sold clothing bearing Harley-Davidson’s trademark.

What does this mean for consumers? It’s hard to say; court is an expensive place to hang out, though, so if anything, we’re guessing those traveling Screaming Eagle sales trucks are going to have to hit the road harder than ever in 2014. Maybe you’re in luck, if you’re itching to buy a new pair of assless chaps.

5 COMMENTS

  1. While I generally think the quality of the Gear peddled by Montreal-based Screamin’ Eagle is second rate, so the the attempt at humor by use of the oh-so droll and over-used derogatory “assless chaps” … EVERYONE knows that chaps are, by their very nature without a seat … jeeze …

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