James Bond is at the center of a complex ownership dispute as Austrian businessman Josef Kleindienst seeks control over various trademarks associated with the iconic character. This development comes amid ongoing tensions between Eon Productions and Amazon regarding the future direction of the Bond franchise.
Kleindienst has filed several cancellation actions based on non-use, aiming to claim the James Bond name and other related trademarks, including „James Bond Special Agent 007“ and „Bond, James Bond.“ Under UK and EU law, a trademark can be challenged if the original owner has not used it in a specific area for at least five years.
While the last official James Bond film, „No Time to Die,“ was released in 2021, Kleindienst argues that the character has not been utilized in other categories such as vehicle models, computer programs, and electronic publishing. His challenge was submitted on January 27, and Danjaq, the company holding worldwide licensing rights to James Bond, has two months to respond.
Kleindienst, a prominent real estate agent in the UAE, has indicated plans for the Bond trademark should he succeed in his claim. His complaint highlights the absence of Bond-themed restaurants or cocktail lounges, suggesting potential commercial ventures linked to the franchise.
This situation mirrors the ongoing disagreements between Eon and Amazon, as the latter aims to expand the Bond universe, a move that Eon has resisted. The outcome of Kleindienst’s challenge could significantly impact the future of the James Bond brand.
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