ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
Advocates Philippines
TVJ Grateful As IPO Grants Ownership Of 'Eat Bulaga' Trademark
Screengrab from TVJ
Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon (TVJ) expressed gratitude as the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) officially recognized them as the rightful owners of the "Eat Bulaga" trademark and its variations. The decision, dated December 4, 2023, marked a pivotal moment in their nearly 45-year journey.
The IPO, in a comprehensive 16-page Decision, highlighted a crucial principle: "it is not the application or the registration that confers ownership of a mark, but it is ownership of the mark that confers the right of registration." The ruling also emphasized that applications made in bad faith must be rejected. However, the Decision remains subject to appeal.
Tape Incorporated's trademark registration for "Eat Bulaga" and "EB" was canceled by the IPO, as they failed to prove the conceptualization of the marks. Joey de Leon, one of TVJ's members, was credited with coining and creating the marks in 1979, as revealed in the legal proceedings. The IPO found TVJ's position credible and backed by strong evidence.
During a press conference, Tito Sotto, Chairman of TVJ Productions, Inc., shared his sentiments, saying, "The truth will always prevail. There is no better feeling than justice, nearly 45 years in the making." He added, "Para sa lahat ng patuloy ang paniniwala, patuloy rin naming ipaglalaban ang Eat Bulaga."
MQuest Ventures President and CEO, Jane J. Basas, expressed support for TVJ, stating, "We welcome this development and will continue to support TVJ until this issue is finally resolved."
As TVJ expressed their heartfelt thanks to the IPO, their legal victory is considered a milestone in safeguarding the legacy and business reputation built by TVJ over decades. The public resonance of "TVJ is Eat Bulaga, and Eat Bulaga is TVJ" has further solidified their claim to the iconic trademark.
While this decision is a significant step forward, the legal battle may continue, pending any potential appeals. The entire "Dabarkads" community and the public, who have stood by TVJ, eagerly await the final resolution of this long-standing issue.
The IPO, in a comprehensive 16-page Decision, highlighted a crucial principle: "it is not the application or the registration that confers ownership of a mark, but it is ownership of the mark that confers the right of registration." The ruling also emphasized that applications made in bad faith must be rejected. However, the Decision remains subject to appeal.
Tape Incorporated's trademark registration for "Eat Bulaga" and "EB" was canceled by the IPO, as they failed to prove the conceptualization of the marks. Joey de Leon, one of TVJ's members, was credited with coining and creating the marks in 1979, as revealed in the legal proceedings. The IPO found TVJ's position credible and backed by strong evidence.
During a press conference, Tito Sotto, Chairman of TVJ Productions, Inc., shared his sentiments, saying, "The truth will always prevail. There is no better feeling than justice, nearly 45 years in the making." He added, "Para sa lahat ng patuloy ang paniniwala, patuloy rin naming ipaglalaban ang Eat Bulaga."
MQuest Ventures President and CEO, Jane J. Basas, expressed support for TVJ, stating, "We welcome this development and will continue to support TVJ until this issue is finally resolved."
As TVJ expressed their heartfelt thanks to the IPO, their legal victory is considered a milestone in safeguarding the legacy and business reputation built by TVJ over decades. The public resonance of "TVJ is Eat Bulaga, and Eat Bulaga is TVJ" has further solidified their claim to the iconic trademark.
While this decision is a significant step forward, the legal battle may continue, pending any potential appeals. The entire "Dabarkads" community and the public, who have stood by TVJ, eagerly await the final resolution of this long-standing issue.
Dec 6, 2023
