In a resounding affirmation of intellectual property rights, the Philippine Court of Appeals (CA) has officially dismissed the Motion for Reconsideration filed by Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE Inc.) in the landmark copyright infringement case against the legendary trio, Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, collectively known as TVJ.
The ruling seals the fate of the long-standing legal battle over the popular noontime show Eat Bulaga!, unequivocally recognizing TVJ as the legitimate owners of the show’s original audio-visual recordings and jingles.
CA Upholds Original September 8 Decision
The decision maintains the previous ruling released on September 8, which established that TAPE Inc. utilized the core elements of the Eat Bulaga! program—specifically the audio-visual content and signature jingles—without obtaining the necessary consent or authorization from the true creators and copyright holders (TVJ).
This judgment reinforces the principle that while a producer may fund a show, the intellectual property rights inherently belong to the creative minds behind the work, a critical distinction in Philippine copyright law.
TAPE Ordered to Pay P3 Million in Damages
Beyond the confirmation of ownership, the Court of Appeals also reiterated the financial penalties imposed on TAPE Inc. The production company has been mandated to pay a total of P3 million in damages and legal fees to TVJ.
The breakdown of the mandated payments is as follows:
* P2,000,000 (Two Million Pesos) as Temperate Damages.
* P500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Pesos) as Exemplary Damages.
* P500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Pesos) for Attorney's Fees.
The total sum of P3 million underscores the court’s finding of TAPE’s liability for the unauthorized use of the copyrighted materials.
Solidifying TVJ’s Legacy and Ownership
The dismissal of the motion for reconsideration serves as the final legal nail in the coffin for TAPE's claim over the crucial creative elements of the original Eat Bulaga! brand. The ruling formally acknowledges TVJ as the rightful custodians of the show’s legacy and intellectual property.
This definitive victory is a monumental win not just for the veteran hosts but also for the Filipino creative community, setting a powerful precedent on the protection of creators’ rights against corporate claims over their original works. The decision is now expected to influence the trajectory of both TVJ’s current program and the continuing use of the Eat Bulaga! title across various platforms.
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