TVJ wins copyright case against TAPE and GMA on 'Eat Bulaga' name
Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, collectively known as TVJ, have announced that they have won the legal battle against the Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE) over the trademark ownership of the "Eat Bulaga" name.
In a live announcement through their Facebook page, the trio revealed that the Marikina City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 273 has ruled in favor of the trio regarding the copyright infringement and unfair competition case they had filed against the company back in June last year.
"Wherefore, judgment is hereby rendered in favor of the plaintiffs (TVJ) against the defendants (TAPE and GMA Network)," Tito said as he read the resolution.
The court's ruling urges TAPE and GMA to stop using the trademarks "EB" and "Eat Bulaga" as well as all the logos and jingles associated with its shows, programs, projects, or promotions.
Replaying past episodes, clips, and segments of Eat Bulaga from before TVJ parted ways with TAPE on May 31 is also not allowed.
"Nanalo po tayo. Patunay ito ng ating sinasabi na tayo ang may-ari ng Eat Bulaga," Tito said, earning loud cheers from the audience.
"Sa madaling salita, atin talaga ang Eat Bulaga," Vic said before ushering the production team to join them on the stage and sing the show's iconic theme song.
TAPE and GMA have yet to respond to the resolution.
The win comes as the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines had revoked the trademark registration of TAPE for the names "Eat Bulaga" and "EB" in early December, ruling that the "petitioners’ explanation or story on how initially the idea of the Eat Bulaga mark came about did seem believable and credible."
TVJ first announced they have parted ways with the EB producers last May 31 after rumors of an Eat Bulaga rebranding—and the trio getting fired—broke out amid financial losses. After the announcement, staff members, including hosts, writers, sales, production, and cameramen, tendered their resignation.
Eat Bulaga! went on with its live airing and introduced a new set of hosts on June 5, while TVJ and other Dabarkads joined TV5 and aired their new show E.A.T. on July 1.
