A portion of the original intent was to prevent other manufacturers from building engines that "sound" like a Harley and to force companies like S&S to pay a license to Harley to build duplicates. But since the patent had run out on the version of the V-twin that they were trying to protect (the Evo) and certainly on the shovel, pan and knuck the govt. shot down that portion of the protection.

The protection still provides HD with the means of coming down on someone for using the sound of a Harley in a fasion that implies endorsement. Progressive Insurance got whacked for using it in radio ads about 7 years ago.

Oh, I am sure Ford will go after sites like Stang.net and others just like GM went after Corvetteforum.com ..

You are correct.. it's a naval ship smaller than a friggit (sp?).. you would think that I would have remembered that.. lol