E.A.T host Vic Sotto believed it was the right timing for them to finally use the ‘Eat Bulaga’ title amid their legal battle against their former handler, Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) Inc.
During a press conference held at E.A.T studios on December 6, 2023, Vic said they would only use the title of the longest-running noontime show again when TAPE Inc. finally stopped using it.
According to him, it would be better for TAPE Inc. to respect the real owners of the Eat Bulaga title, which was believed to be coined by Joey de Leon.
“Siguro pag tumigil na ‘yung gumagamit na iba at nagpakita ng respeto, ‘yun na siguro ang tamang panahon [na gamitin],” said Vic.
“Pagka nagpakita an sila ng respeto at tigilan na nila ang panggagamit ng hindi sa kanila e mas masaya at siguradong hindi lang Merry Christmas kundi Happy New Year talaga!” he added.
However, it seems that TAPE Inc. would not surrender the title ‘Eat Bulaga’ even after the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) removed the company’s trademark rights on the title of the popular noontime show.
According to Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque, they would use all legal remedies to appeal the said decision.
IPOPHL’s decision might influence the other complaints filed by TVJ against TAPE Inc.