TVJ wins trademark ownership of the “Eat Bulaga” against Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) Inc.

In a video posted on different social media platform, Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon announced that the trio won the legal battle against the Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) Inc. over the trademark ownership of the “Eat Bulaga” name.

Tito Sotto, who is reading the dispositive portion of the ruling, explained that 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.

Here’s text of what Tito Sotto read from the ruling;

Wherefore, judgment is hereby rendered in favor of the plaintiffs (TVJ) against the defendants (TAPE and GMA Network)

Permanently enjoining defendants Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) Inc. and GMA Network Inc. from;
1 – Using the trademarks “EB” and “Eat bulaga”, including all the logos associated with the subject parts in its shows, programs, projects or promotions.
2 – Using the EAT BULAGA jingles/ song or any part thereof in its shows, programs, projects or promotions.
3 – Airing and broadcasting a playback of any and all recorded episodes of the EAT BULAGA show prior to 31st May 2023, its segment or any portion thereof in all channels and platforms.

Here the full video of TVJ’s announcement;

The ruling comes after the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) cancels that trademarks registration of TAPE Inc. for ‘Eat Bulaga’ and ‘EB’.

In an article published on GMA News website, TAPE counsel Atty. Maggie Garduque commented on ruling;

“Yes, I already saw the decision dated Dec 22, 2023 but released by the court this January.”

“Initial reaction, among others, we were surprised that the court ruled on trademark and trademark infringement when the case pending in court is copyright infringement. We will definitely file an appeal to this decision,” Garduque said.

“There is nothing in the decision which states that since there is injunction issued to tape, TVJ can now use the trademark EB and Eat Bulaga especially that the trademark ownership is still under appeal before the IPO,” he added.