HE’S starred in seven Bond films, with many labelling him as the best at portraying the British Secret Service agent, and now Sean Connery has used his stealth tactics once more, this time to trademark his own name.

The Scottish actor, who is also known for his roles in Indiana Jones, The Hunt for Red October and The Untouchables, among others, has quietly taken the steps in order to protect his brand and to prevent others from using his name to make money.

Connery’s lawyers have filed documents with the European Intellectual Property Office which means that anyone wishing to his name for goods and services will require permission and will be charged for doing so. Similar steps have been taken in the US.

Now anyone wishing to use the name Sean Connery on DVDs, books, games, or clothing, gift cards, mugs, plates or figurines will require permission to do so. The restrictions also extend to cocktail shakers, bottle openers, napkin holders and drinking glasses, which makes sense given Bond’s affection for vodka martinis.

The trademarks will make it easier for the actor to take legal action against anyone manufacturing or selling such goods, with many currently available to purchase online.

The practice of trademarking names in order to protect a brand has become increasingly popular, with Connery joining the likes of David Beckham, Beyoncé and 50 Cent. Campbell Newell, a partner at the Edinburgh office of intellectual property specialists Marks & Clerk, said there are obvious advantages to making such a move.

“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,” he told a daily newspaper.

“Trademarks are assets, so if you are in the creative industries, there is a benefit in registering your name. Quite often, you will be doing some sort of licensing arrangement with someone else.”