Mediaset launches promo for 'El Rosco' amid legal battle for Pasapalabra

Mediaset España released a 20-second promotional teaser on July 13, 2026, signaling the return of 'El Rosco' to Telecinco in a new program Source: ABC; El Confidencial. The clip shows UFO-like circles assembling over Madrid to form the iconic 25-letter circle atop Mediaset's Fuencarral headquarters Source: Infobae.

Legal backdrop

The promo follows a May 2026 Supreme Court ruling confirming that MC&F, a Dutch production company, owns the intellectual property rights to 'El Rosco' Source: La Vanguardia; El Mundo. This forced Antena 3 to halt use of the test and replace it with 'AlaZ' on June 19 Source: ABC. Mediaset had secured exploitation rights from MC&F over a year prior, contingent on the court decision Source: El Confidencial.

The legal battle continues. Mediaset is also pursuing the Pasapalabra brand via the EUIPO, arguing it originated from Italy's 'Passaparola' Source: La Vanguardia; El Español. Meanwhile, Mediaset and MC&F have filed a new lawsuit claiming 'AlaZ' is a clone of 'El Rosco'. Atresmedia disputes this, stating 'AlaZ' was created independently and complies with the ruling Source: ABC.

What's next

Mediaset has not announced a premiere date, host, or production company for the new show Source: El Español. The format is under development, with 'El Rosco' as the final test but under a new name due to ITV's trademark rights Source: El Confidencial.