MC&F, the intellectual property holder behind the iconic "El Rosco" quiz round, will file a lawsuit against Atresmedia over the broadcaster's newly launched "AlaZ" segment on Pasapalabra, alleging plagiarism and unfair competition. The action, announced through Mediaset España on Wednesday, also targets ITV Studios, which co-acquired the Swiss format DallAZetA with Atresmedia. MC&F will seek precautionary measures to halt the broadcast of the segment.
The dispute follows a May 2026 Supreme Court ruling that forced Antena 3 to stop airing "El Rosco", confirming that Atresmedia and ITV Studios had exploited the format without valid intellectual property rights. Antena 3 introduced "AlaZ" as Pasapalabra's new final round on June 19, days after the court-mandated removal.
MC&F argues the adaptation diverges from the single-player, 10-minute Swiss original and mirrors "El Rosco" instead. Mediaset España, meanwhile, is preparing a new programme featuring "El Rosco" as its centrepiece, having acquired the rights.