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The Guardian
10 hours ago
- 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.
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Aaron Taylor Johnson fuels rumours he's the next James Bond as he awkwardly swerves question at 28 days later premiere
AARON Taylor Johnson has fuelled rumours he's the next James Bond after awkwardly swerving the question on the red carpet. The Kick-Ass actor, 35, appeared at the world premiere of 28 Years Later in London on Wednesday. 6 6 When asked by a Deadline reporter: "What are you doing next?" He replied: "I can't talk about it," before being swiftly ushered away by his entourage. The Sun revealed in March that Aarron had been formerly offered the role and James Bond bosses were waiting for his decision. We also first revealed in 2022 that the Marvel actor had emerged as a surprise frontrunner. Aaron made a name for himself in 2010's Kick-Ass. He then landed the role of Quicksilver in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Eon Productions, which makes the spy thriller films, is on course to start shooting this year. A source said: ' Bond is Aaron's job, should he wish to accept it. The formal offer is on the table and they are waiting to hear back. 'As far as Eon is concerned, Aaron is going to sign his contract in the coming days and they can start preparing for the big announcement.' The next Bond movie had been delayed because of last year's Hollywood strikes. James Bond expert drops huge hint about new 007 actor after he starred in movie with huge A-list actress But insiders confirmed a script was now being worked on, with production scheduled to take place at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire. Aaron was in the running for the top job alongside actors including Oscar-winning Cillian Murphy, Idris Elba, Henry Cavill and James Norton. Speculation intensified in May when Aaron signed a deal with luxury watchmaker Omega - the official timepiece brand of the Bond franchise for three decades. Aaron, who is from High Wycombe, Bucks, secretly screen tested for Bond movie supremo Barbara Broccoli at Pinewood Studios in 2022. When asked earlier this year whether he would step into Bond's shoes, Aaron said: 'I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. "I take it as a great compliment.' Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey was also questioned about the iconic role this week. Jonathan joined Scott Mills on Radio 2 to celebrate the release of the Jurassic World Rebirth film, which stars the actor. And they ended up discussing rumours that Jonathan is a contender to be the next James Bond. Scott said to the star: 'It's an obvious question, but I'm going to be honest with you, it's the one people are asking the most, so I'm going to ask it. Do you, or would you be, James Bond?' Jonathan playfully replied with: 'Scott, how dare you!' to which Scott clarified: 'It's not me, it's the listeners and there are thousands.' The actor managed to somehow sidestep the question, responding: 'I mean, that's an amazingly flattering ask. I could imagine you as James Bond, Scott.' And Scott was quick to pick up on the change of direction, saying: 'Well, swerved, because that's not true. But, I mean, we know you could do it, but you'd want to do it?' Jonathan seemed to be more open to replying, as he said: 'I don't...I am not sure... I don't know. I really, honestly, I mean... it would be hard to say no, but I know that it's going to be exciting whatever they do.' Leaving Scott to reply: 'Thank you for answering that, because it was the most popular question. And I'll be honest, I almost ran away from you a bit like you did with Steven Spielberg, before I asked, but I'm glad I did. Thank you very much.' 6 6 6
The Irish Sun
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major car brand ‘plotting return' of discontinued model that starred in iconic James Bond scene 46 years ago
A MAJOR brand could bring back a discontinued model which appeared in an iconic James Bond scene. Citroen is biding its time over whether to bring back the iconic retro Advertisement It earned its stripes as a French economy car and is recognised for revitalising post-war France. 4 Citroen looks set to revive and modernise the iconic retro 2CV Credit: Marc and David @ Continental Productions 4 The iconic car is seen here in the James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only Credit: Eon Productions The 2CV was nicknamed Deux Chevaux, translating to "two horses" referring to its tax horsepower rating. The 2CV featured in the James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only in a scene where Bond jumps into the passenger seat of co-star Melina Havelock's yellow car, heading off the twisty mountain roads, while Hector Gonzalez's men give chase in a pair of Peugeot 504 sedans. Bond eventually takes the wheel and the car enjoys a bone-rattling climax that sees it hurtling through olive trees. Advertisement read more in motors He then crisscrosses the road, before jumping over a pursuing Peugeot and bumping its offside-rear wheel on the sedan's roof. The scene was filmed in Corfu over 12 days and the car was one of several 2CVs used in the filming. While four are known to have survived filming, at least two were scrapped when production ended. 'We have a very, very strong heritage, one of the richest in the car industry,' then-Citroen boss Thierry Koskas told Advertisement Most read in Uncategorized Exclusive 'We have the 2CV, the "I absolutely agree that one of the big strengths of European brands is their heritage. The first-ever all-electric MINI JCW Aceman 'On the product side, we are not taking it as a general direction to do retro design. "But I do not exclude that maybe we study and [have] some exploration, we are open to look at that. Advertisement "But at Citroen you will not see all the future cars reminding you of previous models. 'You will have people that value a design that is close to a car they used to love in the past. This is the debate. 'But there have been successes and failures in [automotive] revivals. "Some fail because [companies] don't position the car properly, they seem retro but aren't really, or customers don't really like the car or recognise their love story. Advertisement "So if we were to do it, we would have to be very, very careful and cautious about how we did it.' 4 Prototypes for the car were kept hidden away during WW2 Credit: Alamy 4 The car became extremely popular after featuring on the movie Credit: Getty
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
New Brit star takes the lead in race to be James Bond as flurry of bets are placed on him after 007 ‘clue'
race is on There's another Brit hunk hot on his heels A NEW Brit star has taken the lead in the race to become the next James Bond after a huge 007 'clue'. Speculation over who will replace Daniel Craig in the iconic role has been heating up, and bookies have slashed odds on one actor following a flurry of bets. 3 3 3 Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been backed to step into 007's shoes by a surge of bets this week. Coral 's John Hill said: 'Aaron Taylor-Johnson has jumped to the top of our next James Bond betting following a surge of bets behind him in the last 24 hours. 'The British actor has been linked to the role in the past, but this is the biggest wave of interest we have seen behind him since we opened betting on Daniel Craig's replacement.' Last week Aaron, 34, fuelled rumours he's bagged the role after signing a deal with Omega - the brand of watch the 007 spy wears. Omega has been supplying timepieces to the iconic literary and movie character since the release of 1995 flick, Golden Eye. The Sun told last year how Aaron had been offered the job - with insiders saying at the time Eon Productions were keen to snap him up. A source said: ' Bond is Aaron's job, should he wish to accept it. 'The formal offer is on the table and they are waiting to hear back. 'As far as Eon is concerned, Aaron is going to sign his contract in the coming days and they can start preparing for the big announcement.' But hot on Aaron's heels is fellow Brit hunk Theo James who - before Aaron's surge of bets - overtook former favourite Henry Cavill earlier this month. Speaking last week, Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes said: 'Henry Cavill's return to the head of the Bond betting didn't last long, with Theo James as short as anyone has been to pick up the world's most famous licence to kill.'
Man of Many
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Man of Many
OMEGA's New Ambassador Announcement Proves It Has a Golden Eye for Talent
By Nick Hall - News Published: 26 May 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 5 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Swiss watch brand OMEGA has confirmed actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson as its newest brand ambassador. as its newest brand ambassador. The announcement is fuelling speculation that Taylor-Johnson will soon be named as the next James Bond actor . . OMEGA has been the official watch partner of 007 since 1996's GoldenEye. Swiss luxury watch brand OMEGA has no shortage of celebrity fans and famous patrons. From Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne to the ultra-sophisticated and debonair George Clooney, the maison's rolodex is a proverbial who's who of the Hollywood elite. However, despite dominating the wardrobes and wrists of A-list actors the world over, it seems the world is not enough. One name that continues to elude the Swiss watchmaker is that of British super-spy James Bond. Following the 2021 release of No Time to Die, the final film to feature Daniel Craig in the iconic role, the hunt for the next James Bond has dominated film circles and internet forums. Fan casts have tipped everyone from Idris Elba to Nicholas Galitzine for the much-coveted part. However, franchise owner Eon Productions, which sold the rights to Bond to Amazon earlier this year but still retains creative control over the next instalment, has remained tight-lipped over who is destined to take up the mantle. Long-time partner and official Bond watch producer OMEGA, on the other hand, may have just let the cat out of the bag. Aaron Taylor-Johnson with OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann | Image: OMEGA In a blockbuster announcement straight from its Biel headquarters, OMEGA confirmed British actor and current Bond frontrunner Aaron Taylor-Johnson as its newest brand ambassador. Ruggedly handsome, quick-witted and with an undeniable sense of screen presence, the 34-year-old rising star looks to be the perfect replacement for Daniel Craig. Now, he has the watch to back it up. 'I place significant value on relationships that are genuine and built on mutual passion and respect. With that, it's a tremendous honour to be selected as a brand ambassador,' Taylor-Johnson said in a statement confirming the partnership. 'My interest in watches first began with my dad, who introduced me to OMEGA, if you can believe it. He was working class and saved his earnings to purchase an OMEGA watch.' Daniel Craig wearing an OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M in 'No Time to Die' (2021) | Image: MGM As fans of the Ian Fleming franchise will know, OMEGA has been the preferred timepiece of Bond since 1996. The Swiss watchmaker first appeared in the Pierce Brosnan-led hit GoldenEye and has been a staple in the series since then. Famously, Sean Connery's Bond were a Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538 from his own personal collection for the first few films in the series, followed by a string of unusual and eclectic timepieces that ranged from Gruen Precision 510 to a Seiko M354 Memory Bank Calendar, but for the past three decades, Bond has been staunchly brand-loyal. Both Brosnan and Craig-era Bonds favoured OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M models, renowned for their robust case design, resistance to pressure and, much like 007 himself, hard-nosed good looks. The connection between the film franchise and the watchmaker has been a marketing masterstroke, not only spurring a number of special edition models, such as the 60 Years of Bond release from 2022 or the Platinum-Gold Seamaster from 2020, but also helping to bring the collection on par with its much-loved Speedmaster range. However, it's not the only tactic that OMEGA HQ has used to great effect. Daniel Craig wearing the Bronze Gold and Burgundy OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M at 15th Annual Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science's Governors Awards in November 2024 | Image: Getty In recent years, the brand has become remarkably adept at guerrilla-marketing efforts, tapping outgoing Bond actor Daniel Craig for a string of well-orchestrated product leaks. Whilst attending the 2024 Paris Olympics, Craig was spotted wearing a mysterious, silver-toned OMEGA sans date window that many fans speculated was a then-unreleased prototype. Two months later, the Swiss luxury brand officially announced the Seamaster Diver 300M No-Date. It was a similar story in March 2024, when fans spied a never-before-seen Speedmaster on the Bond actor's wrist; a timepiece that would ultimately become the Speedmaster Moonwatch with Lacquered White Dial. With OMEGA no stranger to getting ahead of the news, the announcement of Aaron Taylor-Johnson as brand ambassador feels very much like a sign of things to come. 'Aaron is such a versatile actor, with a range that covers action, thriller, romance and much more,' OMEGA president and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann said. 'At OMEGA, we've always been impressed by that all-around quality, and his pioneering approach to so many roles. His passion for watches is also clear, so we're delighted to welcome him as a new ambassador and share the excitement of our latest creations.' Aaron Taylor-Johnson announced as OMEGA Brand Ambassador | Image: OMEGA Aaron Taylor-Johnson announced as OMEGA Brand Ambassador | Image: OMEGA Aaron Taylor-Johnson announced as OMEGA Brand Ambassador | Image: OMEGA In a post confirming the new ambassadorship, OMEGA published a series of images showing Taylor-Johnson exploring the renowned watchmaking facilities and heritage museum. Most importantly, the images depict him wearing a Speedmaster First OMEGA in Space on a brown leather strap, a timepiece that celebrates heritage, tradition, and new beginnings. While not the traditional Bond Seamaster 300, you could argue that the First OMEGA in Space model is a subtle reference to Bond's 1979 celestial escapade, Moonraker, but that may be reading a little too deep. While there is still no clear indication of who will slip into the British super-spy's crisp Saville Row suit, the latest news out of Switzerland bodes well for the future of the franchise. The 007 throne is crying out for a fresh new approach, one that is younger, bolder and built for longevity. Whether you like it or not, you can't help but acknowledge that Aaron Taylor-Johnson looks good in OMEGA.
