Latest news with #Danjaq
Euronews
24-06-2025
- Business
- Euronews
James Bond in danger: Why is 007 under threat from a property tycoon?
He's gone up against nefarious and shadowy organisations, as well as cat-stroking megalomaniacs with plans for world domination. However, the world's most famous secret agent may have met his match with an Austrian property developer by the name of Josef Kleindienst. Indeed, the founder of the Kleindienst Group is challenging trademark registrations relating to the James Bond franchise, including '007' and the iconic expression 'Bond, James Bond'. Not even Blofeld would stoop so low... The property tycoon, who is building a $5bn luxury resort complex called the Heart of Europe on six artificial islands off Dubai, has filed claims in the UK and Europe to take control of the James Bond name, arguing that the trademarks have been commercially underexploited. For Kleindienst, the 'non-use' means that various protections around James Bond's intellectual property have expired. To be fair, what does one expect from a man whose name literally translates as "small service"? Under UK and European law, if a trademark is not commercially exploited for five years in the categories for which it is registered, it may be subject to revocation proceedings. James Bond owners Danjaq, the US company that controls the rights to sell James Bond merchandise worldwide in conjunction with UK production company Eon, say the legal battle launched by the property developer to get his hands on the James Bond trademarks is 'an unprecedented assault on the franchise,' reports The Guardian. Lawyers representing Danjaq are gathering evidence to prove that the trademarks are still being commercialised, arguing that Kleindienst's 'non-use' challenges represent "abuse of process'. And a lot is at stake... 'James Bond is a trademark of the highest reputation in the EU,' said Rudolf Böckenholt at Boehmert & Boehmert, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in Europe, representing Danjaq. 'The trademarks are also licensed for numerous consumer products and merchandise products, ranging from very luxurious products to everyday products, as well as further services.' The context makes this 'assault' delicate in the extreme. The last Bond film was in 2021 with Daniel Craig's swansong as 007 in No Time To Die. Since then, the franchise was acquired by Amazon for $8.5bn, with more than $1bn spent to get full 'creative control' of the series from longtime 007 stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson. While Amy Pascal and David Heyman have been announced as the producers of the next Bond film, no release date, director or lead actor has been confirmed. We reported last year that one candidate may have the edge over countless others and last month, an unlikely source may have confirmed it and let the vodka martini-swigging cat out of the bag. Still, no official announcement as to the identity of the new 007. The period of inactivity also means that the franchise is on track to beat the longest ever recorded gap between two instalments: six years and four months. Something of a godsend for any Blofelds-in-the-making wishing to argue that the brand has been 'commercially unexploited'. So, as fans wait for James Bond to finally return to the big screen, the superspy's greatest battle is shaping up to be a legal one.
The Guardian
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
James Bond owners say name battle is ‘assault' on 007 franchise
The owners of James Bond have called the attempt by an Austrian businessman to take control of the superspy's name across Europe an 'unprecedented assault' on the multibillion-pound global franchise. In February, the Guardian revealed that a Dubai-based property developer had filed claims in the UK and EU arguing that lack of use meant various protections had lapsed around James Bond's intellectual property, including his name, his 007 assignation and the catchphrase 'Bond, James Bond'. Nearly all of the nine trademarks being challenged relate to the merchandising of goods and services under the Bond name, which can be challenged after five years of 'non-use'. Josef Kleindienst, an Austrian who is building a $5bn (£3.7bn) luxury resort complex called the Heart of Europe on six artificial islands off Dubai, has argued the trademarks have been commercially under-exploited. Lawyers representing Danjaq, the US-based company which controls the rights to worldwide James Bond merchandising in conjunction with the UK-based production company Eon, have hit back, aiming to vigorously defend the 007 franchise. 'James Bond is a trademark of the highest reputation in the EU,' said Rudolf Böckenholt at Boehmert & Boehmert, one of the largest intellectual property (IP) law firms in Europe, representing Danjaq. 'The trademarks are also licensed for numerous consumer products and merchandise products, ranging from very luxurious products to everyday products, as well as further services. These goods and the corresponding services are covered by a number of trademarks that have been challenged and attacked by the claimant Josef Kleindienst in an unprecedented assault.' It has also emerged that Kleindienst has extended his attempt to try to take control of the spy's various brands by also submitting his own trademark for James Bond in Europe. He has not, however, done the same in the UK. The European IP law firm Withers & Rogers said this is likely to be because the 'intention to use test' that applications are submitted to is more stringently applied by the UK's Intellectual Property Office than its continental equivalent the EU Intellectual Property Office. 'Danjaq would be more likely to object to the registration [in the UK] on the grounds of 'bad faith',' said Mark Caddle, a partner and trademark attorney at Withers & Rogers. Danjaq's lawyers are putting together evidence to prove the trademarks are still being commercialised, while at the same time arguing that Kleindienst's 'non-use' challenges 'represent abuse of process'. Kleindienst was approached for comment. 'The plot thickens,' Caddle said. 'Opting for an 'abuse of use' defence suggests that Danjaq could believe that the cancellation attempt is not legitimate, and specifically, that the challenger may not be intending to use the marks commercially. While it is impossible to say for sure what the challenger's motives are in this case, the James Bond trademark portfolio and its legacy value does make it an enticing target for opportunists, and further cancellation attempts can't be ruled out.' Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion Daniel Craig's last outing as 007, No Time to Die, was released in 2021 and with no announcement yet of his replacement or timeline for production of the next film, the franchise is on track to beat the previous longest gap between instalments of six years and four months. Danjaq also co-owns the copyright to the existing Bond films, along with MGM Studios, which was acquired by Amazon for $8.5bn in 2021. Days after the report of Kleindienst's legal challenges, it emerged that Amazon had paid more than $1bn to gain full 'creative control' of the franchise from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, the longtime stewards of the Bond films. With creative control, Amazon now has the power to move forward with new films and potentially TV spin-offs, without approval from the two British-American heirs to the film producer Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli, who had overseen the integrity of the character originally created in 1953 by the author Ian Fleming. In March, Amazon confirmed that Amy Pascal and David Heyman would steer the next Bond film, although no release date or lead actor has yet been named. Pascal has experience with the Bond series in her previous position as Sony's chair of film, overseeing Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace and Skyfall. She also had producer credits on the latest Spider-Man series. Heyman is best known as the producer of the Harry Potter films as well as the Fantastic Beasts franchise and is now in pre-production on the much-anticipated HBO TV series adaptation of the stories. He is the second most commercially successful film producer of all time, with credits including Gravity, Paddington, Barbie, Wonka and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Extra.ie
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Huge Irish star tipped for major role in new Bond movie
An Irish Hollywood superstar is said to be the bookies' choice for the next James Bond movie. Although there have been no official announcements about the cast as yet, or even a date set to begin filming, producers are said to be keen to hurry things along to get the action underway. Its been too long since the last Bond Movie hit cinema screens, bringing with it mixed emotions as Daniel Craig bowed out in his role as Bond in the 2021 movie No Time To Die, leaving fans emotional as he says farewell to the character. Pic: MGM/Eon/Danjaq/UPI/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock But attention has now turned to the famous villains of the Bond franchise, and things are hotting up in bookies circles with a huge Irish star tipped to play the next Bond nasty. Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy is topping the list to play Bond's next nemesis, according to the Online Betting Guide list, with strong odds of 9/2. The Irish actor – best known for playing Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders, had previously been touted for the actual role of James Bond, but he quashed rumours, telling Deadline: 'I think I'm a bit old for that.' Cillian Murphy. Pic: Lodovico Colli di Felizzano/WWD via Getty Images While no official confirmations about star castings have been made to date, speculation about who will be the next James Bond has been heating up in recent weeks. British actors Aaron-Taylor Johnson and Henry Cavill have been linked to the role, but nothing has been set in stone as yet. Also in the running for the part of Bond villain, are American actor Paul Giamatti at odds of 11/2, as well as Boogeyman star David Dastmalchian 13/2, and a very unusual choice in movie circles, an unlikely contender for the role, actress Zendaya at odds of 7/1.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A New 007 Lawsuit Setback Has Taken Shape, And I'm Afraid This Could Delay Bond 26 Indefinitely (Again)
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Though we're not seeing much movement from the 007 series on the 2025 movie schedule, there are still some pretty major pieces in play that have kept James Bond 26 on everyone's mind. Unfortunately, one of those developments was a 007 lawsuit posing 'mortal danger' to the franchise at large. Through a new update on the matter, it appears that a swift resolution isn't in the cards any time soon - and the result could be an indefinite pause on what seemed to be an ambitious start to the next era of Bond. Per reporting from The Guardian, the legal case brought forth by property Josef Kleindienst has seen a request from Danjaq, LLC to delay proceedings in the name of building a stronger case to maintain key trademarks. More specifically, the James Bond name, the catchphrase that makes great use of said moniker, and the 00-designation are on the line. As Kleindienst claims that UK and EU copyright law allows those signature elements to be examined 'after five years of 'non-use,'' this is a pretty big deal. Danjaq, LLC is the corporate entity is a vital player in all things 007, as it both co-owns the James Bond copyright (with Amazon-MGM Studios), as well as oversees the merchandising (with EON Productions.) Admittedly Amazon-MGM's supposed plans for Bond 26 feel stymied by this legal action. That, in turn, leaves me with a feeling we could see yet another chapter in the history of James Bond delays. Can you even imagine a movie where James Bond can't even use his name to introduce himself? Failing that, there's no number to fall back on; which already caused some confusion in No Time to Die's reassignment of 007 to Nomi (Lashana Lynch). The potential loss of these trademarks could be the greatest legal hiccup in Bond history since the rights battle over SPECTRE. That gave us some interesting substitutes like Quantum, but also yielded the infamous Never Say Never Again. Even in that case, James Bond was able to use his name, albeit with some stipulations. Not calling an obvious stand in for Blofeld by his name is one thing, but not being able to call James Bond by his own name is a greater disaster. That basically leaves you with something akin to The Simpsons' classic Bond parody (or rather Bont parody) shown below: For a legacy franchise that's trying to move forward into a new chapter, this feels like a nightmare. Without this challenge being handled once and for all, it's assumed that Amazon-MGM Studios and its producing team of Amy Pascal and David Heyman can't truly move forward on a new film. Also, this could be a devastating blow to IO Interactive's Project 007 video game, which is currently in development. But on the bright side, if the team behind an aborted unofficial remake of For Your Eyes Only with Ryan Reynolds still wants in, there may be a way forward... provided they use a different name, of course. As the potential record-setting 007 gap between No Time to Die's 2021 release and Bond 26 continues, the fate of Commander Bond once more hangs in the balance of business deals. So if anyone wants to join me over at the saddest martini bar known as the '007 Waiting Room,' feel free. Though depending on how these legal challenges shake out, we may need to change the name out of safety. How about 'The Tuxedo Room?'
Irish Examiner
27-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
James Bond franchise owners request more time to defend control of 007 spy name in Europe
The owners of the multibillion-pound James Bond franchise have requested more time to mount their defence to keep control of the super spy's name in Europe, after a legal challenge to their trademark rights across a range of goods and services. In February, it was revealed a Dubai-based property developer had filed claims in the EU and UK, arguing lack of use meant various protections had lapsed around James Bond's intellectual property, including his name, his 007 assignation, and the catchphrase 'Bond, James Bond'. Nearly all the actions relate to the merchandising of goods and services under the Bond name, which can be challenged after five years of 'non-use'. Josef Kleindienst, an Austrian who is building a $5bn luxury resort complex called the Heart of Europe on six artificial islands off Dubai, has argued the trademarks have been commercially under-exploited. Daniel Craig's last outing as 007, No Time to Die, was released in 2021 and with no announcement yet of his replacement or timeline for production of the next film, the franchise is on track to beat the previous longest gap between instalments of six years and four months. The Bond trademarks are registered to the US-based company Danjaq, which controls the rights to worldwide James Bond merchandising in conjunction with the UK-based production company Eon. Danjaq had an initial 60 days to file its defence of the trademarks after the challenge. It has done so with the UK Intellectual Property Office, but has requested more time to file in the EU. 'As a general rule, any initial unilateral request for an extension that is received in time will be considered appropriate and will be granted,' said the EU Intellectual Property Office in a filing extending the deadline. However, it added that it was highly unlikely to grant a further extension beyond mid-June 'unless there are exceptional circumstances'. Danjaq also co-owns the copyright to the existing James Bond films, along with MGM Studios, which was acquired by Amazon for $8.5bn in 2021. Days after the report of Kleindienst's legal challenges, it emerged Amazon had paid more than bn to gain full 'creative control' of the James Bond franchise from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, the longtime stewards of the Bond films. With creative control, Amazon now has the power to move forward with new films and potentially TV spin-offs too, without approval from the two British-American heirs to the film producer Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli, who had overseen the integrity of the character originally created in 1953 by the author Ian Fleming. In March, Amazon confirmed Amy Pascal and David Heyman would steer the next Bond film, although no release date or lead actor has yet been named. Ms Pascal has experience with the Bond series in her previous position as Sony's chair of film, overseeing Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace and Skyfall. She also had producer credits on the latest Spider-Man series. Mr Heyman is best known as the producer of all Harry Potter films as well as the Fantastic Beasts franchise and is now in pre-production on the much-anticipated HBO TV series adaptation of the stories. He is the second most commercially successful film producer of all time, with credits including Gravity, Paddington, Barbie, Wonka, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The Guardian Read More What does the Amazon MGM Studios deal mean for the James Bond series?
