In this episode of No Infringement Intended, Austin Padgett and Rusty Close unpack the half-century battle over who really owns James Bond. They trace how Ian Fleming’s early collaborations fractured the rights to Thunderball and Casino Royale, why that split spawned two “rogue” Bond films outside the official series, and how it ultimately took more than 50 years to bring the 007 franchise back under one roof. Along the way, Austin and Rusty clarify what counts as a “joint work,” how tenancy in common lets any co‑owner license a work while still owing everyone else a share, and why getting clear contracts in place at the start of a project is the only way to keep a blockbuster character from turning into a long‑term legal headache.

No Infringement Intended, hosted by Rusty Close and Austin Padgett, is your go-to podcast for exploring the fascinating intersection of intellectual property and pop culture.

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