The lawyer of Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) Inc. insisted that Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon were still not allowed to use the title ‘Eat Bulaga’ on television despite the decision of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
It can be recalled that IPOPHL removed the trademark owners of TAPE over Eat Bulaga on December 5, 2023.
However, Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque said that they would still appeal the decision made by IPOPHL.
“It is the vehement submission of TAPE that they can still use ‘Eat Bulaga’ since the decision of the hearing officer of the BLA-IPO [Bureau of Legal Affairs-Intellectual Property Office] is not yet final and in fact appealable. Likewise, TVJ cannot use it on their show as their application with the Bureau of Trademarks has not been granted,” the lawyer said in a statement.
“In the event that TVJ preemptively use it on their show, TAPE will definitely file cases against TVJ and TVJ Productions to protect the interest of TAPE Inc,” she added.
Meanwhile, TVJ described the decision as an ‘early Christmas gift’ for the Dabarkads, but they didn’t disclose when they would use the Eat Bulaga title.
TVJ’s lawyer, Atty. Buko Dela Cruz also said that TVJ was really allowed to use the Eat Bulaga title even without any decision from IPOPHL or court.