'James Bond' fridge repair company forced to change name after MGM legal threats

[JAMESHOT]

A fridge repair company has been forced to change its "James Bond" styled name and branding following threats of legal action from film company MGM.

This really takes the cake.....

The company 007 Refrigeration, based in Northampton, had used the phrase ''licence to chill'' as part of its branding.

The firm provides refrigeration and air conditioning installation and maintenance.


But director Mick Purcell said that they had been threatened with legal action by lawyers acting on behalf of cinema giant MGM - the company behind the James Bond franchise - for infringing copyright.

He said his company had been given two weeks to alter all of its branding.

Mr Purcell said: ''We have been accused of 'passing off' the James Bond films, which suggests we are going out making spy movies and claiming to be James Bond. Clearly, we are not.

''Quantum Of Solace took in more than £15 million on its first day. It would be a pretty extraordinary day doing fridge repairs and air conditioning if we managed that.''

He said that he and business partner Rob Dunne do not plan to fight the threats because of the cost of a lengthy legal battle, so are in the process of changing the company's branding.

Its website now features the name ''700 Refrigeration & Air Conditioning''.

Lawyers Simmons & Simmons, acting on behalf of film distributors MGM and United Artists Corporation, said in a letter to the business: "Our clients have not authorised your use of the Bond marks and associated imagery and consider that your unauthorised use of its marks is without due care, and takes unfair advantage of and is detrimental to the distinctive character and repute of its marks and therefore infringes its registered rights."

A spokesman for MGM refused to comment.