June 26, 2025, 7:15 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Just as the creative rights to 007 have completely transferred to Amazon, a cancellation request for James Bond has suddenly emerged. TECHBOOK explains the background.
The film series about the most famous secret agent in cinema history continues to face challenges. Recently, the creative control of the franchise fully shifted to Amazon-MGM, while the Broccoli family and Michael G. Wilson remain co-owners of the brand. This move shocked Bond fans, who now fear an artistic sellout. However, new trouble is brewing: A real estate developer wants to claim “007,” “James Bond,” and the famous phrase “Bond, James Bond” for himself. A so-called cancellation request for James Bond is reportedly already filed, putting the current trademark owners under significant pressure.
Austrian Filed Cancellation Request for James Bond
This is according to a new report from the British “Guardian.” The main player in the emerging legal dispute is an Austrian real estate developer named Josef Kleindienst. He currently resides in Dubai, where he is set to launch a $5 billion luxury resort. Apparently, he wants to use 007 for the project, which is why he filed a cancellation request for James Bond in the United Kingdom and the EU earlier this year.
Primarily, it’s about marketing and selling merchandise or services under the Bond name. The request covers various product categories, including vehicle models, programs, restaurants, or cocktail lounges.
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The basis for the cancellation request for James Bond is that both British and European law allow trademark protection to be challenged if owners do not commercially use the trademark for at least five years.
According to Kleindienst, the Bond brand has been dormant for far too long. Indeed, four years have passed since the latest film “No Time to Die,” and it will take several more years before Amazon finalizes a new project.
Rights Holder Seeks Extension
Amazon itself does not seem directly affected by these developments. Instead, the company Danjaq has requested an extension to counter the cancellation request for James Bond. Danjaq belongs to the Broccoli family and is not only a co-owner of the film rights but also holds worldwide merchandising rights along with Eon.
Originally, Danjaq had 60 days to respond to Kleindienst’s request, but now they want more time in the EU. This should be granted without issue, as it is standard practice, according to the European Union Intellectual Property Office. However, if Danjaq needs more time beyond that, it will become more difficult. The British counterpart has responded in time.
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Whether and to what extent the cancellation request for James Bond endangers the future of the brand remains to be seen. Danjaq, as well as Amazon, will certainly not want to lose the naming rights across Europe and the United Kingdom, which would prevent the marketing of future films and fan merchandise. However, they are now obliged to prove that the accusation of non-use is unfounded.