Eat Bulaga Trademark Tussle Ends in Victory for TVJ Trio

 

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has revoked Television and Production Exponents Inc.'s (TAPE Inc.) trademark registration for "Eat Bulaga." This decision was made because TAPE Inc. was unable to provide sufficient background information regarding the origin of the term "Eat Bulaga," which has been the title of their noontime show since its inception in 1979.

The current trademark registrations for the marks "Eat Bulaga and EB" and "EB" by TAPE Inc. were found to be in violation of Republic Act No. 8293, generally known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, according to IPOPHL's ruling, which was made public on Monday. The court ruled that "Respondent-Registrant TAPE Inc.’s existing trademark registrations over the marks should be cancelled as they were obtained in contravention of the provisions of RA No. 8293."

On the other hand, the group of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, who filed a petition against TAPE Inc., were able to prove that they were the rightful owners of the "Eat Bulaga" trademark. When it came to the "EAT BULAGA" mark, IPOPHL acknowledged the petitioners' efforts and stated that "it is Petitioners and not Respondent-Registrant who own the mark."

The ruling highlighted the petitioners' total and exclusive right to register the "EAT BULAGA" mark and all of its variations—including the disputed "Eat Bulaga" and "EB" marks—under their names as the legitimate owners. This decision emphasizes how important it is to follow intellectual property regulations and provide appropriate documentation to protect trademark rights in the Philippines.

#TVJ #EatBulaga #PHShobiz #Trademark

Video: Atty. Freddie Villamor YouTube Channel