Recently, there is a new update regarding the trademark case of TVJ against TAPE and GMA Network. As per the ruling of the Marikina Regional Trial Court, TAPE, Inc. and GMA Network, Inc. will have no rights to rebroadcast some of the episodes of “Eat Bulaga” without prior agreement from TVJ and the two companies, including the use of their iconic theme song or logo of the show.
It was known that on December 22, 2023 that the lawyers of TVJ (from DivinaLaw) has decided that the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 273 of Marikina City has agreed the Complaint against TAPE. As a result, the court will have no rights to use the trademarks “EB” and “Eat Bulaga,” the Eat Bulaga jingle, from its shows led by these companies. This decision received on January 5, 2024, making TVJ will be the only responsible owner to use the trademarks and jingles in its shows.
“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,” as stated on TVJ’s Statement.
In addition, beginning tomorrow, January 6, 2024, on Saturdays at 11h30, E.A.T., which has been seen on TV5 (apart from Weekdays at 12h00), will also be broadcast on CNN Philippines (i.e. RPN Analog Channel 9 and Digital RF Channel 19 in Mega Manila and on several Pay TV Operators Nationwide).
PHCA-2024H1-1357/January 5, 2024.
