The launch of the Harley-Davidson X440 in India was highly anticipated and received positive reviews. Over 25,000 bikes were prebooked in the first month, which is a significant achievement for any OEM.

However, there seems to be a potential trademark issue brewing. Ultraviolette, an Indian electric two-wheeler startup, has applied for a trademark on the name “X44.” The application was approved and published in the government’s official journal with a status of “Accepted and Advertised.”

Ultraviolette’s opposition to the X 440 trademark filed by Hero MotoCorp, the manufacturer of the Harley-Davidson X 440, has been officially registered. Ultraviolette applied for its X44 trademark before Hero MotoCorp, but Hero MotoCorp’s trademark was published in the official journal slightly earlier. The trademark opposition process in India requires the opposing party to file a notice within four months of the publication date, which Ultraviolette has done.

If Hero MotoCorp chooses to respond, there will be hearings where evidence will be presented by both parties. Depending on the outcome, there may also be appeals. Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson are likely to have legal resources at their disposal to handle trademark issues, while Ultraviolette is a smaller company founded in 2016.

It remains to be seen how this trademark tussle will play out, but we will provide updates as they become available.