June 4, 2025, 4:15 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Amazon recently acquired the full creative rights to 007, and now a deletion request for James Bond has suddenly surfaced. TECHBOOK explains the background.
The film series about the most famous secret agent in cinema history continues to face difficulties. Recently, creative control of the franchise fully transferred to Amazon-MGM, with the Broccoli family and Michael G. Wilson remaining co-owners of the brand. This move shocked Bond fans, as they 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 in place, putting significant pressure on the current trademark owners.
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 be able to use 007 for the project, which is why he filed a so-called cancellation request for James Bond in the United Kingdom and the EU earlier this year.
The focus is primarily on the marketing and sale of merchandise or services under the Bond name. The request covers various product categories, including vehicle models, programs, restaurants, or cocktail lounges.
James Bond Is Underutilized
The basis for the cancellation request for James Bond is that, under both British and European law, trademark protection can be challenged if the owners do not commercially use the brand 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.
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Rights Holder Seeks Extension
Amazon itself does not seem to be directly affected by these developments yet. Instead, the company Danjaq has requested an extension to counter the cancellation request for James Bond. Danjaq, owned by the Broccoli family, 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 common practice, according to the European Union Intellectual Property Office. However, if Danjaq needs more time beyond that, it will become more challenging. They have responded in time with the British counterpart.
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Whether and to what extent the cancellation request for James Bond endangers the brand’s future 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 non-use allegation is unfounded.