The Harley-Davidson motorcycle company, which had a copyright on the word "hog," applied for exclusive right to its engine sound. Why would a company want copyrights on two such mundane things?

Answer 1

Have you ever listed to the distinctive and very loud "in your face" sound of a Harley motorcycle? It is one of the main reasons a particular segment of the population buys them. A case could also be made that the loud and distinctive engine sound contributes to safety, because cars tend to get out of their way. The company wants to retain that exclusivity, and has managed to do so. The same goes for the word "hog" which Harley owners are proud to apply to their vehicles.