Marikina court recognizes TVJ as originators of 'Eat Bulaga' over TAPE

MANILA, Philippines — The Marikina Regional Trial Court has favored the hosting trio of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon — collectively known as TVJ — in the trademark ownership of the "Eat Bulaga" name over Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE).

TVJ went live on their official Facebook page earlier today, January 5, at 5 p.m. to read out an email that Tito received from the Marikina court regarding its decision.

Vic explained that they were in a meeting discussing about the trio's plans for their current show on TV5 titled "E.A.T" for 2024 when the former Senate president received the email at 4:23 p.m.

Tito opted to just read the dispositive portion of the lengthy decision that indicated the court's resolution.

"Wherefore, judgment is hereby rendered in favor of the plaintiffs (which include TVJ) against the defendants (TAPE and GMA Network)," Tito read, pointing that TAPE and GMA were asked to stop using the "Eat Bulaga" and "EB" trademark, logos and jingle.

The resolution also indicated that TAPE and GMA were asked to stop replaying episodes, clips, or segments of "Eat Bulaga" from before May 31, 2023, which was the date when TVJ decided to part ways with TAPE.

Skipping over the damages that further favored TVJ, Tito read out that the Intellectual Property Office should now cancel any trademark registrations under TAPE over "Eat Bulaga."

"Sa madaling salita... nanalo po tayo," the Sotto brothers said after a pause, holding back tears of joy, which led to applause and cheers from the "E.A.T." production team.

"Patunay ito na sinasabi na tayo ang may-ari ng 'Eat Bulaga,'" Tito said. TVJ began shaking each other's hands before Vic continued, "Atin talaga ang 'Eat Bulaga.'"

The production team then joined TVJ on camera, as the studio band performed the "Eat Bulaga" theme song. They sang the complete lyrics.

TVJ offered their thanks to God, the Marikina Regional Trial Court, their lawyers from DivinaLaw, the production staff, and family and friends.

The "Eat Bulaga" theme song was performed again as the production team did the congo around the teary-eyed TVJ.

It now remains to be seen if TAPE and GMA will comply with pausing their iteration of