Apple’s new mobile connector which is named Lightning did not come cheap for Apple, Apple had to buy the rights from motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson. Apple was officially granted two European trademark registrations for “Lightning” on Nov. 24 according to Patently Apple.

The trademarks were only partially transferred from Harley whose trademark for the word lightning remains protected until 2013. Apple is free to use the trademark, but Harley-Davidson retains some rights to use it with its own products too.

“The EU Patent & Trademark Office officially published two Apple trademark applications for “Lightning” under numbers 011399821/862. What’s interesting about this filing is that it clearly illustrates that Apple had acquired the trademark from Harley-Davidson which is still protected until 2013. One of the documents indicate that the transfer may have officially occurred yesterday, November 24, 2012, the date that it appeared in the EU’s public trademark database.” reported Patently Apple.