TVJ kicks off 2025 with another ‘Eat Bulaga’ trademark win, new studio look

(From left) Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon. Image: Facebook/TVJ

Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon — also known as the comedy triumvirate TVJ — welcomed 2025 on a high note, as the Court of Appeals (CA) upheld their ownership of the “Eat Bulaga” trademark. The trio, along with their co-hosts, also rang in the New Year by unveiling the noontime show’s newly renovated studio.

TVJ was declared the rightful owner of the “Eat Bulaga” trademark by the Marikina City Regional Trial Court in January 2024, winning the case they filed against Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE) in January 2023. TAPE appealed the regional trial court’s decision before the CA.

Despite TAPE’s plea, the ninth division of the Court of Appeals affirmed the comedy trio as the owner of the noontime show’s trademark in a ruling dated Dec. 13, 2024.

According to the CA decision obtained by Business Inquirer, the “exclusive rights of scientists, inventors, as well as artists and gifted citizens — like respondents Tito, Vic, Joey and Jeny — over their intellectual property and creations, must be protected and secured.”

TVJ’s legal counsel Atty. Buko Dela Cruz thanked the CA for its decision, saying it’s a “good” way to start the New Year.

“Good news sa pag pasok ng bagong taon! Dinismiss ng Court of Appeals ang apela ng TAPE Inc tungkol sa ‘Eat Bulaga (Good news in the New Year! The Court of Appeals dismissed the plea of TAPE regarding the trademark of ‘Eat Bulaga,’’” he wrote on Facebook on Thursday, Jan. 2.

‘Eat Bulaga’s’ new studio

TVJ and their fellow hosts also gave a glimpse of “Eat Bulaga’s” newly renovated studio on Wednesday, Jan. 1, while greeting the audience a Happy New Year.

Aside from its wider space, the refurbished studio includes a wider space for the hosts to be spaced out for segments and a bigger main stage. The hosts also introduced the show’s new segment “The Clones” on the same episode.

“Totoo nga, bago ang lahat. Welcome to our new home, same address pero newly renovated para mas komportable at mas malaki, para sa mas maayos na tanghalian na ating pagsasaluhan,” Vic said.

(It’s true. Everything is new. Welcome to our new home at the same address, but it’s newly renovated so everyone would be more comfortable. It’s bigger for the viewers to enjoy their lunchtime with us.)

TAPE has yet to address the Court of Appeals’ ruling as of this writing.