Spain's Supreme Court blocks Antena 3 from using 'El Rosco' in Pasapalabra

The Spanish Supreme Court’s Civil Chamber confirmed a ruling that the final round of the quiz show Pasapalabra, known as “El Rosco”, is a separate copyrighted work owned by the Dutch producer MC&F. The decision obliges Atresmedia’s Antena 3 to stop reproducing, distributing or broadcasting the segment, and it validates a €73.2 million penalty imposed on Mediaset Telecinco for past unauthorised use of the format.

Mediaset España, which secured the exclusive rights to “El Rosco” more than a year ago, announced that it will develop a new daily competition centred on the Rosco element, although it cannot use the original name. The new programme is expected to launch this summer, potentially alongside Antena 3’s continued broadcast of Pasapalabra without the Rosco segment.

Presenters Roberto Leal and former host Christian Gálvez said the show will keep airing for a few weeks while the judgment is being formally notified, but acknowledged that the iconic finale will have to be replaced.