The fiercest competition has been for a limited number of models made by Martin, Fender, Gibson, Rickenbacker, Gretsch and Epiphone.

FORBES: Gotta-Have-It Guitar

Fellow industry titan Gibson Guitar has indicated it may oppose Fender's application.

FORBES: Fender Bender

Fender's path was paved by privately held Gibson Guitar, which in 1993 registered the body shape of its popular Les Paul model, first made in 1952.

FORBES: Fender Bender