Television and Production Exponents Incorporated (TAPE Inc.) made another legal loss again after they failed to convince the Court of Appeals that they’re the rightful owner of the Eat Bulaga trademark.
According to the Ninth Division of the Court of Appeals, the decision made by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in favor of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, and Jeny Ferre was only right.
They said that TVJ and Ferre owned the trademark of Eat Bulaga and TAPE Inc. used the show’s title without consent from its owners.
The Court of Appeals also found that TAPE committed fraud after they claimed Eat Bulaga ownership, even if they were aware that Joey was the one who invented the title of the noontime show.
“The exclusive right of scientists, inventors, as well as artists and gifted citizens – like respondents Tito, Vic, and Joey and Jeny here – over their intellectual property and creations, must be protected and secured,” the CA statement read.
“Awareness of, and compliance with, intellectual property laws is certainly the obligation of all persons, natural or juridical. To attain the advantages provided by society’s scientists, inventors, artists, and other gifted citizens, there must be respect for and enforcement of their rights and one way to carry this through is to guard against unauthorized trespass,” the CA added.
Aside from using Eat Bulaga trademark without permission, TAPE was also liable on copyright infringement and unfair competition.