Studios’ Fight Over James Bond to Go to Trial

A federal judge rejected Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.’s motion for summary judgment in a legal fight with Sony Corp. over rights to the lucrative James Bond movie franchise, clearing the way for an April trial. MGM asked the court for a summary judgment in its lawsuit accusing Sony of attempting to steal the Bond franchise. U.S. District Judge Edward Rafeedie, who issued a preliminary injunction last year to block Sony from working on its own Bond film, rejected the motion, said Sony attorney David Steuber. “It’s a very important win for us,” he said. “It’s encouraging that the ball is still in the air.” In a statement, MGM characterized the ruling as a victory. “We can now proceed to trial to make our preliminary injunction permanent and for a declaration of our exclusive rights to make James Bond films,” said Robert Brada, MGM executive vice president and general counsel. MGM is developing a 19th Bond installment starring Pierce Brosnan that is due for release in November.