Licence to bill!
007 star Connery takes out trademark on own name
HE has been retired for years – but James Bond star Sir Sean Connery has proved he still knows how to make those who cross him pay.
The legendary Scottish actor has discreetly trademarked his name to stop unscrupulous businesses cashing in on his fame without permission.
His ‘licence to bill’ move comes almost 15 years after his last screen appearance in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and will cover a huge range of memorabilia, much of which originates in China.
The 87-year-old, who has an estimated fortune of £80million, joins a growing list of stars – most somewhat younger – who have protected their ‘brand’ by establishing their name as a trademark.
They include former footballer David Beckham, singer Beyoncé and rapper 50 Cent.
Documents filed with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) show that he and his advisers have taken steps to protect his name across goods including DVDs, books, games and clothing.
In what may be a nod to his most famous role and 007’s penchant for vodka martinis, Sir Sean’s name is also protected for cocktail shakers, bottle openers, shot glasses and wine glasses.
He will be able to take action against firms using his name on such items without permission.
Documents were filed on his behalf with the EUIPO to protect his name in Europe and it is understood similar steps have been taken in the US.
The name protected is ‘Sean Connery’ and the trademark owner identified as ‘Thomas Sean Connery’.
Campbell Newell, a partner at the Edinburgh office of intellectual property specialist Marks & Clerk, said that it was a shrewd move on the star’s part.
He added: ‘Generally, we are seeing more celebrities registering their names and there have even been attempts by some individuals to register the rights to their faces to stop others riding on their proverbial coat tails.
‘Trademarks are assets, so if you are in the creative industries, there is a benefit in registering your name. A trademark is something tangible you can license to third parties. Quite often, you will be doing some sort of licensing arrangement with someone else. David Beckham, for example, has been doing adverts for Haig whisky.’
Sir Sean confirmed that he was retiring when he accepted a lifetime achievement award from the American Film Institute in 2006.
Despite speculation he might reprise his role as Indiana Jones’s father, in the end he declared ‘retirement is just too damned much fun’.
Since then he has divided his time between his homes in New York and Lyford Cay, an exclusive gated community in the Bahamas.
Five years ago, he announced that he would no longer make official public appearances.
‘More celebrities registering names’