James Bond franchise owners request more time to defend control of 007 spy name in Europe

Dubai-based property developer has challenged trademark registrations over lack of use

Daniel Craig’s last outing as 007, 'No Time to Die', was released in 2021, with no announcement yet of timeline for production of the next Bond film. Picture: Nicola Dove/PA

The owners of the multibillion-pound James Bond franchise have requested more time to mount their defence to keep control of the super spy’s name in Europe, after a legal challenge to their trademark rights across a range of goods and services.

In February, it was revealed a Dubai-based property developer had filed claims in the EU and UK, arguing 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”.