Marikina Court enjoins TAPE Inc., GMA from using 'Eat Bulaga' trademark

The Marikina Regional Trial Court has enjoined the Television and Production Exponents, Inc. and GMA Network from using the trademarks "Eat Bulaga," "EB," and "Eat Bulaga and EB," the dispositive portion of the ruling read.

The decision also enjoined the defendants from using the Eat Bulaga jingle/song, or any part thereof, in its shows, programs, projects, or promotions; and airing and broadcasting a playback of any and all recorded episodes of Eat Bulaga before May 31.

According to a press release from the camp of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon, the RTC found in a decision dated December 22, 2023 that De Leon created the trademark “Eat Bulaga,” having found that TAPE failed to categorically deny De Leon’s claim that he was the one who formulated it.

Sought for comment, TAPE counsel Atty. Maggie Garduque said, "Yes, I already saw the decision dated Dec 22, 2023 but released by the court this January."  

"Initial reaction, among others, we were surprised that the court ruled on trademark and trademark infringement when the case pending in court is copyright infringement. We will definitely file an appeal to this decision," Garduque said.

“There is nothing in the decision which states that since there is injunction issued to tape, TVJ can now use the trademark EB and Eat Bulaga especially that the trademark ownership is still under appeal before the IPO," he added. —NB, GMA Integrated News