LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Two major entertainment powers battled in a California courtroom on Tuesday for control of the Cold War`s most cosmetic fictional spy, the debonair James Bond. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. has sought a federal court order blocking rival Sony Pictures Entertainment Co. from any efforts aimed at making movies based on the spy code-named 007. MGM and associate Danjaq LLC have produced 18 of the 20 Bond-based movies. The most recent, "Tomorrow Never Dies" opened in theaters last December and has grossed about $350 million in ticket sales worldwide. All told, James Bond movies have raked in more than $3 billion in box office proceeds since the first Bond movie "Dr. No" was made in 1962. The film Bond is based on a character created in books by the British writer Ian Fleming, who died in 1964. MGM`s motion for a preliminary injunction escalates a six-month legal battle between the studios. MGM originally sued Sony in November seeking to defend its existing billion-dollar rights to Bond. Sony countersued, looking to wrest those rights away. MGM spokesman Parsons said MGM`s latest move was prompted by heightened efforts at Sony to develop a Bond movie. But in the past few months, studio sources have said Sony is serious about wanting to make Bond films and has discussed the possibility with Sean Connery, the first actor to portray Bond. In February, Sony signed a deal with Connery and affiliate Fountainbridge Films giving Sony a "first look" at any movie Fountainbridge might plan. Sony claims it can legally make Bond movies by virtue of a production deal with former Bond producer Kevin McClory. MGM`s recent motion, however, asserts that any Bond rights McClory owns have expired under U.S. copyright law and U.S. Supreme Court precedent. The legal documents also assert if Sony made a Bond film, it would create confusion among consumers and dilute the value of MGM`s many James Bond-based trademarks. The case stems from McClory`s production of the 1965 Bond film "Thunderball" in which he later gained rights to the movie and all characters within it. MGM believes his rights are limited to a remake of "Thunderball," whereas Sony and McClory believe they extend beyond a sequel. In legal papers, MGM asserts it has invested more than $1 billion in current dollars to develop, produce and market the movies and other products based on James Bond.