Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) Incorporated criticized the decision released by the Marikina Regional Trial Court on January 5, which forbade them to use the Eat Bulaga title.
In a statement, TAPE Inc. lawyer, Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque, expressed their disappointment over the decision of the court, calling it ‘surprising.’
“Initial reaction, among others, we were surprised that the court ruled on trademark ownership, trademark infringement and cancellation of trademark when the case pending in court is copyright infringement,” she said.
“Worst these cases for trademark ownership and cancellation of trademark are pending on appeal before the IPO. We will definitely file an appeal to this decision,” she added.
According to the said decision, GMA Network and TAPE Inc. have no right to use the Eat Bulaga title anymore due to the complaint filed by Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, and Jeny Ferre.
TAPE and GMA were also not allowed to play the Eat Bulaga jingle, and also to air past episodes of the noontime show.
They also ordered TAPE Inc. to pay a total of P3-M.
Meanwhile, TVJ Productions has yet to give a response to the recent legal step made by TAPE Inc.