The two-wheeler which has given countless millions of riders their first taste of powered freedom has been recognised with a very unusual move – Honda’s Super Cub has been granted a three-dimensional trademark.

Introduced in Japan in 1997, 3D trademarks can be granted to a product which has acquired distinctiveness through long and extensive use. Very strict criteria is applied to registrations, and the Super Cub becomes one of very few industrial products to achieve such status.

It is also the first vehicle in Japan to have its shape protected in such a way – a fitting acknowledgement of its enduring commercial success and incredible influence worldwide.

A key determining factor for the Japan patent office when considering the rare endorsement was the consistent design concept which Honda has maintained with the Super Cub over more than 50 years since it was introduced in 1958, while continuously achieving functional improvements throughout its long history.

The Super Cub is the world’s largest selling vehicle, with cumulative worldwide production of 87 million and sales across more than 160 countries.

Honda is currently producing the Super Cub series at 15 production plants in 14 countries around the world, most notably Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brazil, China, Nigeria and Japan.