Facts:
BJ Productions, Inc (BJPI) is a holder of a Certificate
of Copyright no. M922 issued on January 28, 1971 of “Rhoda and Me” which is a
dating show aired from 1970 to 1977. It submitted to the National Library an
addendum its certificate of copyright specifying the show’s format and style of
presentation. While watching the television, its President, Francisco Joaquin
saw on RPN Channel 9 the episode on “It’s a Date” produced by IXL Productions.
He wrote a letter to IXL’s president Gabriel Zosa informing him that BJPI has a
copyright of the same format as shown on their “It’s a Date” show in their
“Rhoda and Me” show. Zosa sought to register IXL’s copyright to their first
episode of “It’s a Date” to the National Library. Petitioner filed a complaint
in violation of PD No. 49 against the respondent before the RTC of Quezon City.
Respondent sought a review of the resolution from the Asst. City Prosecutor
before the Department of Justice.
Sec. of Justice Franklin Drilon directed to move for
dismissal of the case against the respondents and denied the petitioner’s
motion for reconsideration hence this petition before the Supreme Court.
