IP Goes Pop Volpe Koenig Intellectual Property Law

Dive into the rich history of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) with this episode of IP Goes Pop!®, guided by USPTO historian Rebekah Oakes and co-hosted by Intellectual Property Attorneys Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue. Explore the USPTO's impact on innovation and the integration of patent rights into the Constitution, highlighted through connections to pop culture icons like National Treasure and Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure.
Rebekah shares insights into the USPTO's archives, the digitization of historical patents, and the agency's ongoing efforts to chronicle America's innovation story. The episode invites listeners to discover the USPTO's resources, offering a glimpse into the past and its influence on modern intellectual property protections.
Concluding with an inspirational message, the episode emphasizes the role of history in shaping future innovations. Tune into IP Goes Pop!® for more episodes that blend intellectual property insights with pop culture.
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Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Twitter (X) Key Moments:
(01:15) US Patent Office Episodes with IP Goes Pop
(01:24) IP in Pop-Culture History: Famous Movies  TV Shows
(08:02) Introducing USPTO Historian Rebekah Oakes
(13:07) History of Patent Models (Required through 1870's)
(14:43) Curating History & Henry Baker
(24:03) Initiatives the Patent Office Does to Protect its History
(27:43) USPTO Resources for History
(31:33) Final Thoughts
For full show notes and to explore more episodes, please visit www.vklaw.com/newsroom-podcasts.
You can stay connected with us on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter, and Instagram using the handle @volpeandkoenig.

Navigate the interface of IP and transformative technologies that can augment human capabilities, both in science fiction and emerging reality with Co-hosts, Shareholders, and Intellectual Property attorneys Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue.  If you're interested in intellectual property, bioethical dilemmas, the future of technology, or just love a good legal quandary set against a backdrop of pop culture, this episode is tailored for you.
The hosts draw upon well-known figures such as DC Comics' Cyborg, Marvel's Winter Soldier, and the Borg from Star Trek to frame the discussion. They then discuss William Gibson in Neuromancer and the “ahead of its time” film adaptation Johnny Mnemonic, starring Keanu Reeves.
Complexities around the patenting of bioengineered life forms and examining what distinguishes bioengineered entities (like synthetic insulin) from unpatentable naturally occurring elements are discussed. This includes Neurolink chips, currently safeguarded by patents, which hold the promise of revolutionary medical treatments and cognitive enhancements.
Michael and Joe also highlight on questions of inventorship in an era where human augmentation might become a source of creativity or innovation. The ripples of this technological integration are touched on by principles outlined in the Patent Act and Copyright Act, sparking a debate on the intersections between legal protocols for artificial intelligence and looming human technology augmentation.
As Joe anticipates the normalization of AR and VR technologies with the introduction of Apple Vision Pro, this conversation underscores the significance for pioneers to bravely adopt—and adapt to—these emerging innovations. Simultaneously, the episode ponders the legal frameworks that have yet to fully grapple with such advancements.
 So, put on your thinking caps, open a window in your Apple Vision Pro, or turn on your Neuralink Chips and stay curious about the future of IP and technology!
Timestamps:
01:19 Defining Techno-Humanism 
02:36 Exploring human-machine combination in comic book characters
06:58 Star Trek and The Borg Collective
09:29 Influence of William Gibson on Science Fiction
15:12 Blade Runner (1982)
20:04 Augmenting Human Bodies with Technology and Patenting Life Forms
29:34 Final Thoughts – Resistance is Futile 
For full show notes and to explore more episodes, please visit www.vklaw.com/newsroom-podcasts.
You can stay connected with us on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter, and Instagram using the handle @volpeandkoenig.

Get ready for a cinematic exploration of innovation and intellectual property as depicted in popular movies about inventors and creators. In this episode, IP Goes Pop!® co-hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue, peel back the layers of iconic movies that not only inspire us, but also shed light on the realities of building successful businesses and protecting ideas. 
Starting with 1988’s Tucker: The Man and His Dream, your hosts dive into the story of Preston Tucker and his revolutionary automobile, the Tucker 48. This tale not only epitomizes the spirit of disrupting the status quo but also draws parallels with modern auto-innovators like Tesla. Tucker's journey sheds light on the crucial role of patents in protecting groundbreaking ideas, emphasizing the continued real-world relevance of Tucker's innovations in today's automobiles.
The episode next moves through the intricate mazes of copyrights, branding, and partnerships. The Social Network, which depicts the founding of Facebook, serves as a prime example of the potential legal pitfalls that can emerge in the creation of successful companies. It delves into the entangled web of legal battles and the importance of safeguarding ideas in the tech world. This evolution, of what is now known as Meta, highlights the necessity of meticulous contracts and legal representation at different stages of bringing an idea into the world.
Another extraordinary origin story is that of the McDonald's franchise, as portrayed in The Founder. While the success of the McDonald's franchise demonstrates how effective branding and strategic IP licensing can catapult a company to global recognition, this cautionary tale of partnerships offers valuable lessons for businesses of all sizes. Ultimately the McDonalds brothers lost control of their company, their name, and their IP such as the “golden arches,” when they were outmaneuvered by an emboldened Ray Kroc and a “handshake” agreement. 
The film Flash of Genius draws attention to the pitfalls and triumphs of patent litigation. Lesson learned are especially valuable for inventors and creators, as it underscores the complexities of litigation, the importance of having competent legal representation, and the dangers of self-representation in intellectual property matters.
Listeners will come away from this episode not only entertained but also enriched with a deeper understanding of the intersection between intellectual property and popular culture. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a legal professional, a student, or simply a movie buff, IP Goes Pop!® offers a captivating and educational experience that will entertain and inform. Don't miss out on this engaging and enlightening journey through the world of IP and movies! 
Starting points:
2:32 Disruption, Technology, and Patents in Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988)
9:40 Copyright and Idea Protection in The Social Network (2010)
16:43 Branding, Trade Secrets, and Franchising in The Founder (2016)
25:04 The Case of Joy Mangano's Miracle Mop in Joy (2015)
28:55 Patents in Flash of Genius (2008)
34:16 Final Thoughts
For full show notes and to explore more episodes, please visit www.vklaw.com/newsroom-podcasts.
You can stay connected with us on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter, and Instagram using the handle @volpeandkoenig.

This episode of IP Goes Pop!®, takes you on a journey through the iconic world of the Barbie universe and brand, exploring its deep-rooted connections with pop culture and intellectual property law. Hop in the dream car and journey with Volpe Koenig Shareholders and podcast hosts, Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue to a land of pink corvettes, with a few pitstops at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Kicking off with a discussion of the recent cinematic triumphs of the Barbie movie released this year (2023), your hosts delve into how this classic brand has been brought to life on the big screen captivating audiences around the globe.
Travel back in time to the inception of Mattel Toys to unravel the origin of Barbie, and the complex legal history behind the doll’s inception and success. Learn the true story behind the doll’s “inspiration.” Discover how storied brands like Barbie have been able to register colors with their trademarks along with the legal parameters and precedents for doing so. 
Listeners will navigate through the pivotal role of patents in safeguarding the Barbie doll brand, highlighting the contributions of rocket scientist turned toy doll inventor, John Ryan, and the key developments in toy doll mobility.
Barbie’s IP journey continues with your hosts exploring a legal battle involving trade secrets, focusing on the fierce competition between Mattel and MGA Entertainment over the Bratz dolls. Here the focus is on the critical concepts of "work for hire," "non-disclosure agreements," and “exit interviews,” as keys to protecting trade secrets in any industry.
Approaching the end of this enlightening journey, Michael and Joe explore the intersection of copyright law and the Barbie brand, analyzing the legal nuances of parody in copyright law through the lens of the infamous "Barbie Girl" song by Aqua and its repercussions in the legal world. They also touch upon the 2023 updated, “Barbie World” by Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice, which samples Aqua’s song, offering a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving relationship between pop culture and IP law.
The episode wraps up with final thoughts on the complex yet fascinating relationship between the Barbie brand and all aspects of intellectual property law, celebrating the impressive achievements of Barbie in the world of IP. Tune in to this episode of IP Goes POP! and immerse yourself in the captivating (legal) world of Barbie, a brand that has left an indelible mark on both pop culture and the realm of intellectual property.
Key Moments in this Episode:
1:44 The Barbie Movie (2023)
3:46 Genesis of Mattel Toys and the Barbie Brand
7:58 IP in the Barbie Universe: Trademarks
12:05 IP in the Barbie Universe: Patents
19:05 IP in the Barbie Universe: Trade Secrets
24:20 IP in the Barbie Universe: Copyright
29:56 Final Thoughts
 
For full show notes and to explore more episodes, please visit www.vklaw.com/newsroom-podcasts.
You can stay connected with us on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter, and Instagram using the handle @volpeandkoenig.

Hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue are joined by: Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Kathi Vidal; Executive Director of the National Crime Prevention Council, Paul DelPonte; and the legendary McGruff the Crime Dog®. Our guests share their insights on the impact of counterfeits on society, the economy, and individual safety.
The panel kicks off with a discussion of public service characters and their roles in environmental awareness and education. The panel then explores the issue of counterfeit goods. Here, the panel considers the impact of counterfeit goods on children, society, how counterfeit goods can be connected to organized crime, and how IP is involved in combating this global problem. Director Vidal provides insights into the role of the USPTO in protecting consumers from the dangers of counterfeit goods and highlights the importance of educating consumers about the real-world risks associated with counterfeit products.
Listeners will learn about the "Go for Real" campaign, a joint initiative by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), aimed at educating the public, particularly teens and tweens, about the risks associated with counterfeit products and the importance of making smart buying decisions and respecting intellectual property rights.
Director DelPonte shares his experiences leading NCPC and the organization's efforts to promote greater civic engagement and public education on crime prevention. We hear from both him and McGruff about using the power of the internet to reach and empower a new generation to “Take A Bite Out Of Crime®.” You’ll learn about ways you, your colleagues, and even your kids can become “dupe detectives” and improve your ability to spot fakes.
Produced by the United States Patent and Trademark Office; no copyright is claimed by the United States in this presentation or associated materials.
Resources provided by the USPTO and NCPC:
Kathi Vidal | USPTO
Paul-DelPonte_bio.pdf (ncpc.org)
https://www.uspto.gov/
https://www.ncpc.org/
McGruff the Crime Dog® teams up with USPTO to take a bite out of fake goods sold online | USPTO
Shop Smart and Stay Safe This Season | U.S. Department of Commerce
 Roundtable: Future strategies in anti-counterfeiting and anti-piracy | USPTO
 
For full show notes and to explore more episodes, please visit www.vklaw.com/newsroom-podcasts.
You can stay connected with us on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter, and Instagram using the handle @volpeandkoenig.

Join co-hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue on a new episode of "IP Goes Pop!" that will leave you wondering "You can patent that?!". This episode focuses on a variety of curious and/or unusual patents, demonstrating the wide range of ideas that can result in an issued patent. From the surprising to the peculiar, this episode provides an overview of the “usefulness” threshold in United States patent law. “Listeners will learn about existing patents that are as bizarre as they are “useful,” and how anyone might have an idea that has “utility” and is therefore worthy of a patent.
The episode begins with a discussion on the United States Patent Act, the cornerstone of patent law in the United States. Michael and Joseph break down some of the Patent Act's key provisions, focusing on the “utility” or “usefulness” requirement for patentability. The hosts then explore a series of unusual patents, each serving as a case study of this requirement.
From a self-inflicted kicking device to an apparatus that allows one to simulate a high-five, to a banana case, listeners will marvel at the odd range of inventions that have been awarded patents. This episode also features patents that highlight the importance of protecting even the simplest of items and serves as a reminder that patent law is not just about groundbreaking technology, but also about practical solutions to everyday problems.
The reach of patent law protection is broader than one might think. This episode of "IP Goes Pop!" is not just an exploration of the quirky side of patents. It's a celebration of human creativity and innovation, demonstrating that no idea is too outlandish or too trivial to be considered for patent protection. Whether you're an IP enthusiast, a pop culture aficionado, or just someone who enjoys the world of the bizarre, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to be entertained, enlightened, and inspired to think outside the box- or perhaps patent the box itself.
For full show notes and to explore more episodes, please visit www.vklaw.com/newsroom-podcasts.
You can stay connected with us on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter, and Instagram using the handle @volpeandkoenig.
Links to Patents Mentioned in this episode:
“User-operated amusement apparatus for kicking the user's buttocks” US6293874B1 “Apparatus for simulating a ‘high five’” US5356330A “In-Car Coffee Maker" US5233914A “Graffiti prevention apparatus” US5675318A “Banana Protective Device US6612440B1 “Beerbrella” US6637447B2 “Safety system for removing rider from vehicle by deploying a parachute” US5593111A “Method of Swinging on a Swing” - US6368227B1 “Hypodermic syringes and attachments thereto pleasing to children” US3299891A “Barrier Device for Children” US5255958A