EARLY this week, social media was buzzing with the news that the legendary trio of former senator Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon (TVJ) had won the first bout of the legal battle against Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE Inc.) for the rights over the trade name of 'Eat Bulaga.'

It was reported that the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Bureau of Legal Affairs' adjudication officer had granted the petition filed by TVJ for the cancellation of TAPE Inc.'s trademark registration of 'Eat Bulaga.' This case is expected to be appealed by the losing camp, and it would not be far-fetched to say that this could eventually reach the Supreme Court. In fact, as of yesterday (December 6), TAPE Inc. is still using the name Eat Bulaga, saying that the fight is still long drawn and the decision is not in any way final.