“E.A.T.” is now “Eat Bulaga!” This comes after Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon (TVJ) won their copyright infringement case versus Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE) and GMA-7.
Photo: TVJ
A regional trial court (RTC) affirmed that the trio now owns the trademarks “Eat Bulaga” and “EB” in a verdict following the issuance of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPO)’s similar decision. This means that TVJ is now able to use the trademarks and jingles in its shows as the RTC ruling is now enforced, even if TAPE or GMA files an appeal.
In line with this, TVJ, along with the Dabarkads, joyfully welcomed viewers of today’s episode (January 6, 2024) as they sang “Mula Aparri Hanggang Jolo” – marking the first day of airing of “Eat Bulaga!” on TV5.
According to a statement from TVJ on Friday (January 5), the Marikina City RTC ruled in their favor after finding that Joey de Leon created the trademark “Eat Bulaga.”
Related stories:
- Tito, Vic, And Joey Part Ways With TAPE Inc.
- “Eat Bulaga!” Returns On Air With New Hosts
- TVJ, JoWaPao, Maine Mendoza, And More “Legit Dabarkads” Make TV Comeback With ”E.A.T.” On TV5
“In view of defendant TAPE’s failure to make a categorical and specific denial of the claim of Joey that he coined, formulated, and worded the title ‘Eat Bulaga’ including the specific explanation how such a portmanteau was created, given the millions of words in the dictionary, the court, therefore, rules that plaintiffs have successfully proved and established, by preponderance of evidence, that Joey and his co-plaintiffs Tito and Vic should be credited with the formulation and creation of the mark ‘Eat Bulaga’,” the court reportedly said.
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