Overview
- The Supreme Court ruled that the final-round game known as 'El Rosco' is a distinct, protectable format owned by Dutch company MC&F and ordered Antena 3 to stop using it.
- Antena 3 is continuing to broadcast already-recorded Pasapalabra episodes that include 'El Rosco' while it awaits formal notification of the ruling and the court's execution timetable.
- Mediaset says it bought rights to 'El Rosco' about 18 months ago and has confirmed plans to develop a new quiz show that would feature the puzzle as its central element.
- The ruling follows earlier judgments in the long-running dispute that include a court order requiring Mediaset to pay ITV €73.2 million for unauthorized broadcasts and the court’s finding that Pasapalabra produced a measurable audience lead-in effect.
- Broadcasters and producers now face near-term choices — notification, execution requests, and possible appeals — with likely ripple effects for international versions, licensing deals, and the viewing habits of millions of nightly viewers.