Court summons GMA network, ‘Eat Bulaga’ producer to answer copyright infringement complaint

THE Marikina Regional Trial Court has summoned Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE) — producer of noontime show “Eat Bulaga” —and GMA Network, Inc. to answer the alleged copyright infringement and unfair competition complaint that plaintiffs Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon and former TAPE executive vice-president for production Jeny Ferre filed.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The complaint — Copyright Infringement and Unfair Competition under Republic Act 8293, otherwise known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, with Application for Issuance of a Writ of Preliminary Injunction — was filed on June 30, 2023 before Marikina RTC Branch 273.

However, it was only made public on July 12 when the defendants formally received the summons.

According to GMA's “24 Oras” telecast, TAPE's legal counsel Maggie Garduque said, “It is not a copyright infringement. Eat Bulaga name, the design of the name and the logo is a trademark and not subject to copyright.”

“”TAPE Inc. has the registration of the tradename Eat Bulaga so they cannot file infringement against the registered owner of the trademark. Their petition for cancellation of the trademark of Eat Bulaga is still pending before the IPO and until such time that said petition is granted, the trademark Eat Bulaga and EB will be owned by TAPE Inc,” the counsel added.

GMA Network Inc., where “Eat Bulaga” airs as a blocktimer, also released a statement that said, “We will refer the complaint to our legal counsel, Belo Gozon Elma Parel Asuncion and Lucila Law Offices.”

TVJ and “Legit Dabarkads” hosts left the show on May 31 following a series of alleged issues with TAPE. The producer aired former episodes of the show before going back on air with new hosts led by Paolo Contis and former Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno.

TVJ and Legit Dabarkads, meanwhile, found a new home on TV5 and started airing their new show, “E.A.T” on July 1.