Bond finds Himself Intruded in peculiar Proprietorship Dispute
A while ago, rumors swirled about tensions between Eon and Amazon over the James Bond franchise. Now, the situation has taken a strange turn with an external party aiming to grab control of several Bond-related trademarks. According to The Guardian, entrepreneur Josef Kleindienst has filed "cancellation actions based on non-use" for these trademarks.
Under UK and EU law, Kleindienst seeks to revoke the trademark ownership if the original holder hasn't utilized it in the specified area for at least five years. In Kleindienst's argument, aside from No Time to Die (2021), the name hasn't been utilized in various "classes" of goods and services such as models of vehicles, computer programs, electronic comic books, and electronic publishing. These trademarks under contention include not only Bond's name but also "James Bond Special Agent 007," "James Bond 007," and "James Bond: World of Espionage," along with his iconic catchphrase, "Bond, James Bond."
But why does Kleindienst have such a hunger for Bond? The Guardian reveals that Kleindienst, aReal estate mogul, is the largest European property developer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A spokesperson for the company hinted that Kleindienst has plans for the Bond trademark should he emerge victorious. His complaint towards Eon also mentioned that there have been no Bond-themed restaurants or cocktail lounges, suggesting where this is heading.
Kleindienst filed this challenge on January 27, and Danjaq - the US-based company that controls global merchandising rights to the James Bond franchise, alongside Eon Productions - has two months to prove that it has utilized the Bond trademark in the disputed areas.
Here's what's next in the pipe for Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who on screen. Stay tuned for further details!
References:[1] https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/01/27/james-bond-trademark-challenge-josef-kleindienst-lawsuit-barbara-broccoli-007[2] https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-64776700[3] https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/james-bond-businessman-seeks-revoke-trademark-2023-01-27/
- The situation surrounding James Bond's trademarks has become even more unusual, with tech website io9 reporting on entrepreneur Josef Kleindienst's attempt to revoke several Bond-related trademarks.
- If successful, Kleindienst intends to leverage the Bond trademark in the future, potentially opening Bond-themed restaurants and cocktail lounges, as hinted by a spokesperson for his company.
- Regarding the potential revocation of trademarks like "James Bond Special Agent 007" and "James Bond: World of Espionage," the legal battle could significantly impact the future of movies and technology-related merchandise associated with James Bond.
- Despite the legal fight, Bond movies continue to captivate audiences worldwide, with the most recent installment, "No Time to Die," demonstrating the enduring appeal of the spy franchise, even amidst these weirder circumstances.
