‘Eat Bulaga’ host Paolo Contis says IPO trademark cancellation not yet final

Hosts of revamped “Eat Bulaga.” Image: Facebook/TAPE Inc.

The hosts of the revamped “Eat Bulaga” on GMA, led by Paolo Contis, went on to use the iconic brandname and trademark, seemingly unperturbed by the decision of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) effectively canceling Television and Production Exponents Inc’s (TAPE) registration in favor of the show’s original hosts, Tito and Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon.

During its Dec. 6 episode, TAPE opened as usual with the “Eat Bulaga” name on the title card before the spotlight turned to its hosts.

“Mga Kapuso, mahaba pa po ang laban. ibig sabihin legally, wala pang final. Okay? Pero eto lang po pangako namin, ano man mangyari ang nasimulan naming tulong at saya ay itutuloy namin araw-araw, dahil yun naman ang po dahilan kung bakit kami pumapasok araw-araw. Kayo po ang dahilan kung bakit nandito kami,” said Contis.

WinWyn Marquez then said Christmas fun will continue at the “Tahanang Pinakamasaya,” (Happiest Home). The other hosts then chimed in, “Dito lang yan sa ‘Tahananng Pinakamasaya!”

But Contis interjected. “Teka, teka. ‘Di yan ang title natin. Ito po ang Eat Bulaga!”

The episode aired just as the Sotto brothers and de Leon, collectively known as TVJ, and who are petitioners in the IPO case, were holding a press conference saying that they are now well within their right to use the “Eat Bulaga” trademark for entertainment purposes.

TVJ lawyer Enrique dela Cruz, who was also present during the press conference, further claimed TAPE should now refrain from using the trademark, given the IPO’s recognition of TVJ as rightful owners and originators of the “Eat Bulaga” brand.

The IPO, in its Dec.4 decision, dismissed the trademark registration of TAPE for the names “Eat Bulaga” and “EB,” and declared TVJ as the rightful owners.

TAPE, through lawyer Maggie Garduque, however said that the Jalosjos-owned company have yet to receive a copy of the decision, although it’s most likely that it will file a motion for reconsideration.

Further details on the use of the name “Eat Bulaga” and “EB” in the noontime shows’ TV and digital platforms, albeit the IPOPHL’s decision, are yet to be disclosed, as of this writing.

TVJ’s camp, however, are set to “sit down” with their legal counsel and discuss their next steps after “EAT’s” Dec. 6 episode.