MGM launches legal action against UK night club using 007 name

30-May-2006 • Bond News

Leading American movie giant MGM has threatened a Stoke-on-Trent lap dancing club with legal action over its name. Solicitors acting on behalf of the owners of the James Bond trademark have written to the team running 007 Gentleman's Club in Bryan Street, Hanley, claiming they are cashing in on the glamorous connection.

The legal action comes less than a month after the club opened and was sparked by an invitation to its launch night on April 28 - reports The Sentinel.

A letter from London-based law firm Richards Butler claims Terazza Limited, owners of 007, is infringing copyright and trade mark rights.

It is demanding the club removes all references to James Bond, or characters from Bond movies, from the club, its website and any advertising, promotional material or stationery.

It also wants ownership and control of the internet domain 007gentsclub.co.uk and for Terazza Limited to undertake not to use any imaging or reference to the Ian Fleming-penned international spy.

Today, Clive Clegg, chief executive of 007 Gentleman's Club, declined to comment, but revealed its solicitors were now considering the next step.

Richards Butler stated it had also been asked not to comment on the action by its client.

Acting on behalf of Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary United Artists Corporation and Danjaq LLC, the legal firm states in its letter of May 22: "Our clients have passed us a promotional flyer, which is a VIP invitation to the preview night for the club, which took place on April 28.

"The face of the invitation features our client's 007 mark four times. The face of the invitation also features silhouette images of Bond girls which are similar to our Bond Girl device and the text "licenced to thrill", a reference to the famous James Bond catchphrase Licence To Kill, as well as a film of the same name.

The letter also raises other claims from MGM, United Artists and Danjaq LLC regarding images on the club's website.

Thanks to `David` for the alert.