A significant development has emerged in the Philippine entertainment industry involving the long-running noontime show “Eat Bulaga.” The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has recently ruled in favor of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon (collectively known as TVJ), declaring them as the rightful owners and originators of the “Eat Bulaga” trademark. This decision comes after the trio left Television and Production Exponents, Inc. (TAPE), the show’s producer, and moved to TV5, hosting a show named “E.A.T.”
TAPE, however, has been using the “Eat Bulaga” name for its noontime show while awaiting the IPO’s final decision. Their legal counsel, Atty. Maggie Garduque, emphasized respect for the legal process, stating that TAPE would continue to use the show’s name pending the completion of the appeals process. This decision by the IPO has been hailed as a landmark case for creative copyright.
The controversy intensified when TVJ requested TAPE to cease using the “Eat Bulaga” name. However, TAPE argued that complying with this request would render their appeal moot and academic. They also expressed hope that TVJ would refrain from using the “Eat Bulaga” name until the final decision is made. In response to the IPO’s ruling, TAPE has revamped its version of “Eat Bulaga” on GMA, introducing a new set of hosts but maintaining the show’s popular format. This led TVJ to file a copyright and unfair competition case against TAPE and GMA before the Marikina regional trial court, which remains pending.