Exclusive: Property developer making trademark challenge claims the spy franchise is in mortal danger“James Bond will not die on our watch,” the businessman challenging the ownership of the rights to 007’s name has said, claiming he is motivated by concerns about the future of the multibillion-pound global spy franchise.The Guardian revealed on Friday that Josef Kleindienst, the Austrian property developer who is building a $5bn luxury resort complex called the Heart of Europe on six artificial islands off Dubai, is challenging the trademark ownership of the James Bond name in the UK and the European Union. Continue reading...
Josef Kleindienst, an Austrian businessman, is challenging the ownership of the James Bond trademark in the UK and European Union, claiming concerns over the franchise's future. Kleindienst, who is building a luxury resort in Dubai, argues that the trademarks have not been used in accordance with legal requirements. He aims to ensure the franchise remains viable for fans, though experts suggest his challenge is unlikely to succeed, particularly regarding film rights. The franchise has stalled since Daniel Craig's retirement and MGM's acquisition by Amazon, leading to no new Bond projects. Kleindienst emphasizes the need for fan involvement to secure the franchise's future.
