Court Blocks Sony’s Plans for Bond Film

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. said an appeals court upheld an order temporarily blocking Sony Corp. from developing a new James Bond film.

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a U.S. District Court ruling in July that granted MGM the preliminary injunction against Sony. Sony has contended it has the right to produce a new movie franchise based on the spy character.

The case, which began last year when MGM and production company Danjaq sued Sony, alleging copyright infringement and trademark dilution, will now head to trial in February. MGM is seeking at least $40 million in damages on claims that uncertainty over the security of its lucrative Bond franchise hurt investor interest in its initial public offering last November.

“We have stopped Sony from kidnapping James Bond. This paves the way for major damages in February,” said Pierce O’Donnell, lead counsel for MGM and Danjaq.

Sony officials had no immediate comment.