GMA asserts it didn’t commit any ‘copyright infringement, unfair competition’ vs TVJ

Image: Facebook/TAPE Inc.

GMA Network said it didn’t commit any “copyright infringement or unfair competition” against comedy trio Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon—also known as TVJ—and was merely fulfilling its contractual obligations with Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) Inc., regarding the trademark ownership of “Eat Bulaga.”

In a statement on its Instagram account on Saturday, Jan. 6, the Kapuso network pointed out that it was merely a “nominal party,” or merely involved, in the trademark ownership battle between TVJ and TAPE Inc.

“For accuracy and clarity of the public, the Regional Trial Court clearly found that GMA did not commit any act of copyright infringement or unfair competition against the plaintiffs as it was merely complying with its contractual commitments against its airtime commitment with co-defendant TAPE,” its statement read.

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GMA then asserted that TVJ “never claimed any damages” in their complaint against the network.

Despite this, the network will comply with the ruling meted out by the Regional Trial Court regarding the airing of “Eat Bulaga’s” episodes on its platforms.

“Nevertheless, GMA Network will refer the matter to our external counsel to avail of the proper remedies before the appellate courts,” it added.

The network’s statement comes a day after the Marikina Regional Trial Court ruled the comedy triumvirate as the rightful owners of the “Eat Bulaga” trademark, following their months-long battle against TAPE Inc.

This led to the Kapuso-based noontime show changing the title of its noontime show to “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” on its Jan. 5 episode as mainstay hosts Paolo Contis and Isko Moreno acknowledged the court’s decision.