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ABS-CBN files P127-M copyright case vs 'Willing Willie'

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ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN filed on Wednesday a P127 million copyright infringement case versus its former talent, Willie Revillame, his production outfit (WilProductions, Inc.), and ABC5 , now known as TV5, before the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC). In a 33-page complaint, ABS-CBN claimed that Revillame and his co-defendants unlawfully infringed on ABS-CBN’s copyright over its show, Wowowee, citing section 172.2(l) of the Intellectual Property Code. ABS-CBN stated that as the producer of Wowowee, it is the legal owner of a valid and subsisting copyright over each and every one of the Wowowee episodes, and is thus entitled to protection against those who steal its work. ABS-CBN alleged that Revillame&#x27;s new show Willing Willie on TV5 is so closely similar to Wowowee, leaving no doubt that Revillame and the other defendants &quot;deliberately and intentionally imitated Wowowee to steal the goodwill that Wowowee has built over the past 5 years of airing in ABS-CBN.&quot; ABS-CBN claimed that despite the new show and segment titles, Willing Willie is &quot;undeniably a copycat of Wowowee.&quot; Among the acts of plagiarism listed in the complaint are: (1) Willing Willie’s opening song and/or dance number led by its host; (2) Wowowee’s “BIGA-TEN” versus Willing Willie’s “Big Time Ka”; (3) Wowowee’s “Willie of Fortune” versus Willing Willie’s “Willtime Bigtime,” which contain portions where the contestants tell their personal stories and showcase their talents before they play a singing and/or trivia game; (4) the dancers/characters of Wowowee are also appearing in Willing Willie, most notable of whom is April “Congratulations” Gustilo; and, (5) the set design, stage, studio viewers’ seats lay-out, lighting and camera angles of Willing Willie are also strikingly similar to Wowowee. ABS-CBN alleged that TV5&#x27;s act of broadcasting of the &quot;infringing work Willing Willie has caused and continues to cause irreparable damage to ABS-CBN.&quot; WilProductions, Inc., which produces the show, is also liable, ABS-CBN said. Also included as defendant is ABC5 President Ray Espinosa. Aside from seeking an award of damages in the amount of more than P127 Million, ABS-CBN also sought the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and/or a Writ of Injunction to restrain Revillame, TV5 and their other co-defendants from further producing and airing the show Willing-Willie.<div>Abs-cbnNEWS.com is the online news department of ABS-CBN Interactive Inc., a subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corp.</div>

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN filed on Wednesday a P127 million copyright infringement case versus its former talent, Willie Revillame, his production outfit (WilProductions, Inc.), and ABC5 , now known as TV5, before the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC).

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN filed on Wednesday a P127 million copyright infringement case versus its former talent, Willie Revillame, his production outfit (WilProductions, Inc.), and ABC5 , now known as TV5,  before the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC).