ABS-CBN files P127-million copyright case vs Willie

MANILA, Philippines – Television network ABS-CBN has filed a P127-million copyright infringement case against Willie Revillame, his production company and rival network TV5 before the Makati regional trial court.

Aside from the television host, other respondents in the case are Revillame’s WilProductions, Inc., TV5 and its president, Ray Espinosa.

ABS-CBN claimed Revillame and his co-respondents violated the intellectual property law by “deliberately” imitating Wowowee “to steal the goodwill” that Wowowee has built over the past five years of airing in ABS-CBN.

“Despite the new show and segment titles, Willing Willie is undeniably a copycat of Wowowee,” ABS-CBN said.

ABS-CBN cited that among the acts of plagiarism committed by Revillame and his co-defendants include: Willing Willie’s opening song and dance number, led by its host; Wowowee’s “BIGA-TEN” versus Willing Willie’s “Big Time Ka”; Wowowee’s “Willie of Fortune” versus Willing Willie’s “Willtime Bigtime,” which contains portions where the contestants tell their personal stories and showcase their talents before they play a singing or trivia game; the dancers/characters of Wowowee are also appearing in Willing Willie, most notable of whom is April “Congratulations” Gustilo; and the set design, stage, studio viewers’ seats lay-out, lighting and camera angles of Willing Willie are strikingly similar to Wowowee.

Aside from seeking an award of P127 million in damages, the ABS-CBN also asked the Makati court to issue a temporary restraining order and a writ of injunction to restrain Revillame, the TV5 and other co-respondents from further producing and airing Willing Willie.