ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
Advocates Philippines
TVJ Lawyer Says Trademark Different From Copyright
Photo credit: Eat Bulaga Facebook
Following the announcement of Eat Bulaga's trademark extension for another 10 years under the management of TAPE Inc, the lawyer of its former hosts Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon raised questions about its potential impact on the ongoing copyright infringement case.
According to Lawyer Enrique “Buko” Dela Cruz, legal counsel for TVJ, there is a crucial distinction between a trademark and a copyright. A trademark serves as an identifier for goods, products, or services, while copyright pertains to rights over artistic, literary, or scientific works.
TVJ is pursuing its claims based on copyright ownership, specifically concerning the TV program itself, which is eligible for copyright protection. TVJ maintains that they hold the rightful ownership of the entire TV program, as it existed before TAPE Inc.'s incorporation in 1981, while the Eat Bulaga trademark was registered by TAPE Inc. only in 2011.
The key point of contention revolves around the timeline of Eat Bulaga's existence. TVJ argues that the show was already in use when they were solely responsible for its creation in 1979, before TAPE Inc.'s incorporation.
Furthermore, TVJ claims that TAPE Inc. did not seek consent from the original creators, TVJ, before registering the Eat Bulaga trademark in 2011.
As the case unfolds, legal experts will scrutinize the evidence and arguments presented by both parties to determine the rightful ownership of the TV program and its potential implications on the recently renewed Eat Bulaga trademark. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant ramifications for the future of the iconic show and the entities involved.
According to Lawyer Enrique “Buko” Dela Cruz, legal counsel for TVJ, there is a crucial distinction between a trademark and a copyright. A trademark serves as an identifier for goods, products, or services, while copyright pertains to rights over artistic, literary, or scientific works.
TVJ is pursuing its claims based on copyright ownership, specifically concerning the TV program itself, which is eligible for copyright protection. TVJ maintains that they hold the rightful ownership of the entire TV program, as it existed before TAPE Inc.'s incorporation in 1981, while the Eat Bulaga trademark was registered by TAPE Inc. only in 2011.
The key point of contention revolves around the timeline of Eat Bulaga's existence. TVJ argues that the show was already in use when they were solely responsible for its creation in 1979, before TAPE Inc.'s incorporation.
Furthermore, TVJ claims that TAPE Inc. did not seek consent from the original creators, TVJ, before registering the Eat Bulaga trademark in 2011.
As the case unfolds, legal experts will scrutinize the evidence and arguments presented by both parties to determine the rightful ownership of the TV program and its potential implications on the recently renewed Eat Bulaga trademark. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant ramifications for the future of the iconic show and the entities involved.
Aug 7, 2023
