In a recent significant legal victory, The New Channel (TNC) Media Corp. has successfully defended its trademark rights. Not known to many, TNC has filed an Intellectual Property case against Lloyd Luna. The dispute centered on the registration of the trademark “TNC”, which Luna secured for himself under Certificate of Registration No. 4-2021-508618. The Bureau of Legal Affairs (BLA) of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has ruled in favor of TNC, canceling Luna’s registration and affirming the company’s ownership of the trademark.
In October 2021, TNC, represented by its President & Chief Executive Producer, Ms. Apple Esplana-Manansala, filed a petition for cancellation of the “TNC” trademark registered by Luna. The case was adjudicated by BLA’s Adjudication Officer (AO) Josephine Alon, who, in December 2023, ruled in favor of TNC. The AO found sufficient grounds to cancel the registration.
Luna attempted to overturn the decision by filing an appeal with the Bureau of Legal Affairs (BLA). In December 2024, the BLA dismissed Luna’s appeal and upheld the original ruling affirming the cancellation of the “TNC” trademark under Luna’s name. The BLA’s decision highlighted Luna’s bad faith in registering the trademark. TNC successfully demonstrated that the mark, which is used by the company, was improperly registered for Luna’s personal benefit. This marks TNC’s second consecutive legal victory in this dispute, following favorable decisions from both the Adjudication Officer (AO) and the Bureau of Legal Affairs (BLA) of the IPOPHL.
TNC welcomed the ruling, reaffirming its commitment to its mission and the protection of its brand. The company expressed gratitude to the BLA for providing legal clarity that underscores the critical importance of intellectual property rights for businesses.
“This recent and successive victory of TNC on its trademark battle, not only allows us to move forward with renewed focus but also serves as a powerful example for companies and individuals to stand up for their intellectual property rights.
Importantly, TNC will be able to correct misinformation that has been spreading about the ownership of our trademark and the company for years.” Manansala shared in a recent and exclusive sit down upon hearing the news.
“Intellectual property rights should be used ethically and should not be weaponized to disadvantage another party, especially when that party is the rightful owner of the mark,” added the JRSantiago & Associates Law Office, which represented TNC in the case.
About The New Channel (TNC)
TNC is a pioneering digital media platform committed to advocacy-driven and inspirational programming which was launched during the global pandemic. Through innovative partnerships and a global reach, TNC continues to redefine alternative media while championing Filipino culture, talent, and ingenuity. For more information about TNC, check out its official website at www.thenewchannel.com, www.thenewchannel.com/highlights or search for The New Channel or #TNCnow on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Linked IN, X & TikTok)