The legendary trio, Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, marked the start of an expected lengthy legal battle against TAPE Inc. and GMA Network.
On July 12, 2023, TVJ filed a complaint before the Marikina Regional Trial Court against the two companies for allegedly committing copyright infringement.
According to sources, TVJ filed the said charges because TAPE and GMA aired several replayed episodes of Eat Bulaga without permission from the trio.
It can be recalled that after the TVJ, hosts, and staff left Eat Bulaga, TAPE aired several replayed episodes of the noontime show while they were looking for new talents.
Despite the clamor from TVJ’s fans, TAPE insisted they’re not giving up Eat Bulaga’s title.
“Syempre, kami po ang nag-trademark niyan ‘nung 2011. And we also had another application 1991. So just the fact na walang iba na nag-oppose. None of them, none of the TVJs, No one oppose our filing for the trademark of Eat Bulaga, it just means to say na talagang it’s clear. The name stays with us, the company and with the incorporation. So hindi po talaga pwedeng madala po ‘yung Eat Bulaga,” said Jalosjos.
They’re also planning to celebrate the 44th anniversary of the show on July 29, a move that made the TVJ disappointed.
As of writing, TAPE Inc. has yet to give any statement on the move made by TVJ.
GMA released a short response, saying they’re already consulting their lawyers about the issue.