ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
Advocates Philippines
Landmark Victory For Tito, Vic, And Joey As Court Rules In Favor Of Eat Bulaga Trademark Ownership
Photo credit: TVJ
In a historic decision handed down on December 22, 2023, and received by legal representatives on January 5, 2024, the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 273 of Marikina City ruled in favor of plaintiffs Vicente "Tito" Castelo Sotto III, Marvic "Vic" Castelo Sotto, Jose Ma. "Joey" Ramos De Leon, and Jeny Perea Ferre in their complaint against Television and Production Exponents, Inc. (TAPE) and GMA Network, Inc. (GMA).
The court found in favor of the plaintiffs in a case involving unfair competition and copyright infringement related to the iconic television noontime show, Eat Bulaga.
The court's decision permanently enjoins TAPE and GMA from using the trademarks "EB," "Eat Bulaga," and "Eat Bulaga and EB," including associated logos, as well as the Eat Bulaga jingle or any part thereof in their shows, programs, projects, or promotions. Additionally, the ruling prohibits the airing and broadcasting of any recorded episodes of the Eat Bulaga show prior to May 31, 2023.
Furthermore, pursuant to Sections 151.2 and 161 of RA 8293, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines is directed to cancel certain trademark registrations held by TAPE, specifically the marks "EB" and logos, as well as "Eat Bulaga" and logos.
The triumphant hosts expressed their gratitude, stating, "Nanalo po tayo. Bottom line, pinanigan po ng korte ang aming sinasabi na, tayo po ang may-ari ng EAT BULAGA. Maraming salamat sa inyong pagtangkilik, maraming salamat sa mga dasal. Unang-una sa lahat, sa Panginoon, thank you very much."
This landmark decision marks a significant victory for Tito, Vic, and Joey, solidifying their ownership of the Eat Bulaga brand and its associated intellectual property.
The court found in favor of the plaintiffs in a case involving unfair competition and copyright infringement related to the iconic television noontime show, Eat Bulaga.
The court's decision permanently enjoins TAPE and GMA from using the trademarks "EB," "Eat Bulaga," and "Eat Bulaga and EB," including associated logos, as well as the Eat Bulaga jingle or any part thereof in their shows, programs, projects, or promotions. Additionally, the ruling prohibits the airing and broadcasting of any recorded episodes of the Eat Bulaga show prior to May 31, 2023.
Furthermore, pursuant to Sections 151.2 and 161 of RA 8293, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines is directed to cancel certain trademark registrations held by TAPE, specifically the marks "EB" and logos, as well as "Eat Bulaga" and logos.
The triumphant hosts expressed their gratitude, stating, "Nanalo po tayo. Bottom line, pinanigan po ng korte ang aming sinasabi na, tayo po ang may-ari ng EAT BULAGA. Maraming salamat sa inyong pagtangkilik, maraming salamat sa mga dasal. Unang-una sa lahat, sa Panginoon, thank you very much."
This landmark decision marks a significant victory for Tito, Vic, and Joey, solidifying their ownership of the Eat Bulaga brand and its associated intellectual property.
Jan 6, 2024
