Eat Bulaga’s Trademark Registration Renewed for Another Decade
The popular trio Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, also known as “TVJ,” remain unfazed after Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) Inc. successfully renewed the trademark registration for their hit show “Eat Bulaga.” According to TVJ’s lawyer, Enrique dela Cruz Jr., the renewal is a mere ministerial act by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and has little impact on the pending petition for cancellation.
Dela Cruz clarified that the renewal process is straightforward, requiring the submission of a declaration of actual use and payment of the fee. He added that the renewal does not prejudice the ongoing petition for cancellation, which is being handled separately by the IPOPHL’s Bureau of Legal Affairs.
Despite the ministerial nature of the renewal, the IPOPHL has a separate office that is hearing TVJ’s complaint for the cancellation of TAPE’s trademark registration. TAPE has yet to respond to the “Notice to Answer” issued by the IPOPHL, giving them a 30-day deadline. Failure to comply may result in a default judgment in favor of TVJ.
Dela Cruz questioned TAPE’s lack of response and their request for an extension, emphasizing that their goal is to have the trademark registration canceled through a separate legal process. He highlighted the discrepancy between TAPE’s actions and their obligation to answer the cancellation petition.
When asked for comment, Atty. Maggie Abaham-Garduque, lead counsel for TAPE, argued that the grant of renewal is not a ministerial act. She cited Section 146.3 of Republic Act 8293, stating that the IPOPHL can refuse to renew a registration if there are valid grounds to do so. Garduque refrained from further commenting on the matter, as it is currently undergoing legal proceedings in the Marikina regional trial court. The court is handling TVJ and former TAPE executive Jeny Ferre’s copyright infringement and unfair competition case against TAPE and GMA-7.
As the trademark registration for “Eat Bulaga” is successfully renewed for another decade, the legal battle between TVJ and TAPE continues. The outcome of the cancellation petition and the ongoing court case will determine the future use of the iconic show’s brand.
