IP Goes Pop

Volpe Koenig Intellectual Property Law
  • ٥٫٠ (٢٤)
  • المجتمع والثقافة
  • مرتان في الشهر

IP Goes Pop explores the interface between intellectual property(IP) and popular culture. Patents, trademarks, and copyrights are often referenced in popular movies, television and songs, but who owns the rights to creative expression? How long does a patent last? What makes a trade secret truly secret? Is the media getting it right when reporting on intellectual property issues? Hosted by intellectual property attorney Michael Snyder, with guest colleagues, inventors, writers, and creators, this lively, bi-weekly podcast discusses intellectual property with a pop-culture twist.

  1. ١٥ أبريل

    College Meets IP: The Intellectual Property of Higher Education

    College may be one of pop culture's favorite settings, but behind the scenes, universities are serious intellectual property owners. Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue explore how colleges use trademark, copyright, and licensing to protect logos, mascots, colors, slogans, and other brand assets across athletics, merchandise, and media. Using Rudy, Blue Chips, and The Social Network as touchpoints, they also examine how NIL rights have changed college sports, and where the line remains between an athlete's personal brand and a school's protected IP. In this episode: How colleges use trademark, copyright, and licensing to protect their brands Why quality control and style guides are essential to university licensing programs How college merchandising became a multi-billion-dollar industry The key boundary between NIL rights and school-owned intellectual property Bottom line: college brands are more than traditions. They are carefully managed IP portfolios. Key Moments: (01:07) College Movie Kickoff: Animal House and the Campus Canon (13:52) College IP as Big Business (16:14) How Colleges Protect Their Intellectual Property (17:06) Licensing, Merchandising, and Revenue Streams (18:54) Quality Control, Style Guides, and Brand Consistency (21:30) Mascots as IP Assets (26:35) Urban Legend: No Logos, No Names, No Trouble? (29:18) NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and the Modern College Athlete (36:00) Final Thoughts   For full show notes and to explore more episodes, please visit www.vklaw.com/newsroom-podcasts. 👉Connect with IP Goes Pop!  Request episode topics and share your feedback with us using the handle @volpeandkoenig on: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Instagram

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  2. ٣ أبريل

    If You're Not Firsts, You're Lasts: Intellectual Property Lasts

    In pop culture, "last" often just means "for now." In intellectual property law, it means something much more concrete. In this episode of IP Goes Pop®, Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue explore what "last" really means across film, TV, music, and IP law. From The Last Samurai and The Last Jedi to Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Last of Us, "last" builds emotion, but rarely signals the end. In IP law, it does. The hosts explain how rights expire, can be lost early, become generic, or change by statute. Featuring examples like Alexander Graham Bell's telephone patent and It's a Wonderful Life, this episode breaks down why IP rights don't last forever, and why that matters. For full show notes and to explore more episodes, please visit www.vklaw.com/newsroom-podcasts. In this episode: 🎬 Films like The Last Samurai, The Last of the Mohicans, and The Last Jedi—final… or not? 📺 How Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Last of Us use "last" to build tension ⏳ The four ways IP rights end: expiration, early loss, genericide, and statutory change 📞 The expiration of Bell's telephone patent—and what followed 🎄 How a missed renewal helped make It's a Wonderful Life a holiday staple Key Moments: (02:10) Firsts Before Lasts Season 7, Episode 1: We're #1! Intellectual Property Firsts (02:10) Movies With "Last" in the Title (09:33) Television "Lasts" (11:20) Musical "Lasts" (13:40) Four Ways IP Rights Can End (16:40) Patent Expiration: Alexander Graham Bell's telephone patent (21:03) Copyright Renewal Failure: It's a Wonderful Life (28:50) Trademark Genericide (33:34) Legislative Extensions (37:02) Final Thoughts   👉Stay Connected with IP Goes Pop!  Request episode topics and share your feedback with us using the handle @volpeandkoenig on: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Instagram

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  3. ٢٤ فبراير

    Intellectual Property Firsts: We're #1

    "If you're not first, you're last!" This week on IP Goes Pop!®, co-hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue chase down "IP firsts" and explain why these origin stories still matter to creators, brands, and inventors today.  The episode opens with our hosts' personal firsts (early movie-theater memories, ticket-counter hijinks). Then the discussion shifts to media milestones, including the first televised commercial during a live sports broadcast, the first laugh track, and the first prime-time animated series. Moving from the screen to intellectual property firsts. Michael and Joe explain how the early United States patent system looks nothing like what we know today,  how the Supreme Court invalidated the first trademark granted, which led to a reboot of the whole trademark system. Finally, they look in their own backyard of Philadelphia for "copyright firsts," with the 1790 copyright registration for the Philadelphia Spelling Book.  This episode of IP "firsts" isn't just a collection of fun facts. Knowing the roots of intellectual property helps with understanding how ideas and designs are protected today. The episode explains the rules that guide the IP process, why they changed, and what that means when you're protecting a brand, a product, or a creative work today. What will your IP protection "first" be? For full show notes and to explore more episodes, please visit www.vklaw.com/newsroom-podcasts. Key Moments: (01:45) Pop Culture Firsts: First Movie Theater Memory (03:45) First "Adult" Movie + Rating History  (06:45) First TV Commercial (09:39) First Laugh Track on TV (12:08) First Primetime Animated TV Show (14:50) Patent Firsts and Early U.S. Patent System (19:20) Patent Office Fire + Patent Numbering Begins (20:10) First U.S. Patent(s) (24:15) Trademark Firsts (27:16) Oldest Still-Active Trademark Mentioned   (29:10) Copyright Firsts + International "Piracy" Problem (32:05) Final Thoughts   👉Stay Connected with IP Goes Pop!  Request episode topics and share your feedback with us using the handle @volpeandkoenig on: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Instagram

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    Non-Traditional Trademarks: How Color, Sound, and Scent become Protectable

    What color says luxury before you open the box? What sound makes you grab the popcorn before a movie starts? In this episode of IP Goes Pop!®, hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue explore how color, sound, and even scent can function as protectable trademarks. From Smell-O-Vision and John Waters' Odorama cards (Polyester) to modern twists like The Artist and Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (and the trademark fight it sparked), the conversation shows how sensory storytelling grabs attention and how the law can recognize those cues as brand identifiers. Mike and Joe break down secondary meaning (Qualitex v. Jacobson), functionality, and why precise descriptions matter. In this episode: How non-traditional trademarks work, and what it takes to protect them The legal hurdles: secondary meaning, functionality, and clear scope drafting Iconic examples in action: Tiffany's robin's-egg blue jewelry boxes Louboutin's red-soled heels John Deere's green-and-yellow equipment NBC's three-note chime and the MGM lion's roar Hasbro's Play-Doh scent Bottom line: the strongest trademarks are not just seen, they're felt. Key Moments: (00:51) Defining non-traditional and non-conventional trademarks (02:25) Examples of Nontraditional Media (11:05) Trademark Foundations (13:49) Color Functionality: The Legal Red Line (15:44) Case Study 1: Tiffany Blue Trademark (20:40) Case Study 2: Louboutin's Red Sole Trademark (24:54) Case Study 3: John Deere Green & Yellow Trademark (26:18) Sound & Audio Trademarks (33:44) Scent Marks (36:52) Touch Marks & Future Frontiers (37:10) Final Thoughts & Takeaways   For full show notes and to explore more episodes, please visit www.vklaw.com/newsroom-podcasts.   👉Connect with IP Goes Pop!  Request episode topics and share your feedback with us using the handle @volpeandkoenig on: Facebook Linkedin Twitter Instagram

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    Wu-Tang Clan's One-Of-A-Kind Album Could Rewrite Music Law: Shaolin Secrets

    Enter the 36 Chambers of intellectual property as hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue spin the story of Wu-Tang Clan's mysterious, one-of-a-kind album Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, and the first-of-its-kind legal case it inspired. From Staten Island's kung-fu-infused hip-hop origins to a high-stakes sale cloaked in secrecy, Michael and Joe trace how a creative experiment in artistic exclusivity turned into a potential landmark in trade secret law. When Wu-Tang recorded a single physical copy of Shaolin and sold it under an ultra-restrictive contract, few imagined the album would pass through the hands of a disgraced pharma executive, the U.S. Marshals Service, and finally a blockchain collective (PleasrDAO). Now, this rare recording sits at the crossroads of copyright, contract law, and the Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA). Listeners will hear how secrecy became the source of value, why traditional copyright doctrines fall short in this context, and what this case reveals about the future of digital ownership, exclusivity, and authenticity. Along the way, the hosts connect the dots from Banksy's self-shredding artwork to Coca-Cola's guarded formula, exploring how the world's rarest album could redefine how we protect creative works. 💡 Lessons for Artists, Collectors & IP Enthusiasts How exclusivity and secrecy can enhance the value of creative works Why trade secret law might apply to art and music The limits of copyright and first sale doctrines in one-of-one works How blockchain and smart contracts reshape ownership rights Whether you're a Wu-Tang devotee, a lawyer fascinated by emerging IP frontiers, or an artist crafting your own legacy, this episode proves that Wu-Tang didn't just change hip-hop...they may have changed IP law.   Key Moments: (01:29) Introduction to Wu-Tang Clan Origins in Staten Island, New York (1992) Wu-Tang Clan members and their roles (05:14) Once Upon a Time in Shaolin: The Exclusive Album (10:06) The Album's Ownership Journey PleaserDAO (finalized in 2021) (15:14) Exhibition of Album at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) (17:21) Current   Legal Battle: PleaserDAO vs. Martin Shkreli (2025) Trade Secret Episodes of IP Goes Pop! Intellectual Property Urban Legends: Taking on Myths About IP in Popular Culture You Can't Do That: What IP Cannot Protect (21:47) Court's Evaluation of Trade Secret Claim Banksy Shredding Art Work (27:23) Rap Genre's Contributions to IP Law (28:44) Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA) (29:56) Final Thoughts   For full show notes and to explore more episodes, please visit www.vklaw.com/newsroom-podcasts. Connect with IP Goes Pop! Request episode topics, and share your feedback with us on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter, and Instagram using the handle @volpeandkoenig.

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    A Spider-Man Patent Saga: From Comics to Court

    Swing into the world of intellectual property and untangle the legal threads behind legendary wall-crawling comic book character, Spider-Man. From comic book origins to blockbuster films, hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue trace Spidey's journey through pop culture, the U.S. Patent Office, and the courtroom. From Stan Lee and Steve Ditko's Amazing Fantasy #15 to Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland on the big screen, Michael and Joe explore how each era shaped Spider-Man's generational appeal—and his IP story. Listeners' "spidey senses" will tingle at the tale of a toy web-shooter patent that reached the Supreme Court in Kimble v. Marvel Entertainment (2015), sparking lessons in royalty agreements and licensing strategies. The host take a deep look into other intellectual property aspects of the Spider-Man universe.  💡 Lessons for Inventors & Licensors Structuring effective patent royalty agreements Distinguishing patents from "know-how" Strategies for royalty payments and long-term value Benefits of separating patent rights from non-patent rights in licensing deals Whether you're a comic book fan, superhero film buff, or budding entrepreneur, you'll find plenty to stick to in this deep dive into Spider-Man's IP. Key Moments: (01:53) Spider-Man's Rich History in Pop Culture Origin and first appearance: Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962) Spider-Man Theme Song from Original Cartoon (YouTube) (05:31) Spider-Man Movies and the Spider-Verse Spider-Man pointing meme  (13:41) The Spider-Man Toy Patent Stephen E. Kimble's "Toy Web Shooting Glove" patent (US5072856A, 1990) Marvel's Web Blaster toy (20:27) Patent Expiration and Royalty Agreements Timelines (26:54) Drafting Patent License Agreements (31:16) Peter Parker as an Inventor (32:19) Final Thoughts on IP Law and Pop Culture For full show notes and to explore more episodes, please visit www.vklaw.com/newsroom-podcasts. Connect with IP Goes Pop! Request episode topics, and share your feedback with us on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter, and Instagram using the handle @volpeandkoenig.

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    The (Copy) Right Tool for the Job: The Copyright Tool Kit

    Filing for a copyright application doesn't have to be an overly complex chore. You just need the right tools for the job. Hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue welcome Jessica Chinnadurai, Attorney Advisor from the U.S. Copyright Office, to introduce the Copyright Office's Copyright Registration Toolkit. To set the table, Michael and Joseph discuss iconic tools and toolkits from pop culture, including the legendary Swiss Army knife, the versatile Leatherman multi-tool, famous fictional toolkits from MacGyver and Iron Man's suit, and Ron Swanson's woodworking expertise. This sets the stage for Jessica's breakdown of the Copyright Registration Toolkit, highlighting its practical value and ease of use. Copyright protection begins the moment you create an original and tangible work, whether it's a song, blog post, painting, or software. While registration isn't required for protection, Jessica clarifies how it significantly enhances your legal rights, for example, by providing the ability to enforce your copyrights effectively in court. The Copyright Registration Toolkit is designed into six detailed sections:  Pre-Registration Considerations: Know your groundwork before diving in. Completing the Application: Step-by-step guidance to ensure accuracy. Deposit Copy Requirements: Clarifying what and how to submit for various work types. Special Handling: When and how to request expedited processing. Post-Registration Considerations: Keeping your registrations updated and managing ownership changes. Additional Resources: Where to find extra help and further support. Jessica breaks down each section and highlights the Copyright Registration Toolkit's practical value, user-friendly design, and unique features offered by the Copyright Office, such as personalized walkthrough services that help creators confidently navigate the registration process. Michael and Joseph underscore the importance of this Copyright Registration Toolkit by addressing common questions from creators, particularly around complex topics such as publication definitions, common pitfalls during the application process, and the significance of accurate documentation. The episode concludes with an overview of additional resources provided in the Copyright Registration Toolkit, including specialized webpages tailored to different types of creators, links to helpful circulars, and updated guidance on evolving topics such as artificial intelligence. Whether you're an experienced creative professional, an artist, an entrepreneur, or someone just beginning your creative journey, this episode equips you with an essential resource to help protect your creative works with confidence. Tune in, power up your IP knowledge, and safeguard your creativity!   Resources Mentioned: The Copyright Registration Toolkit U.S. Copyright Office Copyright Claims Board Copyright Registration Benefits Walkthrough Service Engage Your Creativity Circulars For full-show notes please visit: www.vklaw.com/podcasts-57 Timestamps and Key Moments: (00:34) Episode Overview: The Copyright Registration Toolkit (01:33) Special Guest Introduction: Jessica Chinnadurai (2:56) Pop Culture Toolkits and Tools (12:59) Introducing the Copyright Registration Toolkit (14:13 ) Copyright Basics and Importance of Registration (19:39) What is the Copyright Registration Toolkit? Access the Toolkit here: https://www.copyright.gov/intellectual-property-toolkits/ (22:06) Section 1: Learning the Essentials (24:47) Section 2: Understanding the Process  (28:24) Section 3: Preparing to File Your Application  (32:28) Section 4: Filing Your Application (34:31) Section 5: Moving Through the Process (36:26) Section 6: After You Have a Registration Season 4 Ep #2: Streamlining Copyright Disputes: The Copyright Claims Board (CCB) (38:01) Resource Guide and Additional Materials (40:32) Final Thoughts and Takeaways Connect with IP Goes Pop! Request episode topics, and share your feedback with us on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter, and Instagram using the handle @volpeandkoenig.

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    IP State of the Union Part 2: Billion Dollar Character Acquisitions

    In this second installment of "IP State of the Union: Billion-Dollar Character Acquisitions," IP Goes Pop!® co-hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue explore goodwill—the invisible yet invaluable asset fueling iconic franchises. They break down how studios leverage brand loyalty and cultural impact when acquiring legendary IP, where the goal extends beyond box office numbers to long-term equity through merchandise, theme parks, and fan engagement. The hosts analyze three major franchises: Star Wars (examining whether George Lucas's goodwill continues to pay dividends as Disney shifts toward streaming), the DC Universe (discussing Warner Bros.' struggles despite owning Superman and Batman, and James Gunn's new vision), and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (questioning whether public controversies and mixed expansions threaten the brand, and if HBO's upcoming reboot will revitalize or alienate the fanbase). Whether you're a casual moviegoer or die-hard fan, this episode transforms how you view the business of pop culture. For full show notes and to explore more episodes, please visit www.vklaw.com/newsroom-podcasts. Key Moments: (00:34)  Episode Overview Part 1 of IP State of the Union - Billion Dollar Character Acquisitions (02:38) Defining Goodwill or Goodwill in Intellectual Property (06:13) Debut and Early Days of the Star Wars Franchise (14:07) Disney's handling of the Star Wars franchise (18:26) DC Universe and Warner Brothers (29:38) The Harry Potter Universe and Challenges to Goodwill (37:05) Final thoughts on managing IP franchises Connnect with IP Goes Pop! Request episode topics, and share your feedback with us on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter, and Instagram using the handle @volpeandkoenig.

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IP Goes Pop explores the interface between intellectual property(IP) and popular culture. Patents, trademarks, and copyrights are often referenced in popular movies, television and songs, but who owns the rights to creative expression? How long does a patent last? What makes a trade secret truly secret? Is the media getting it right when reporting on intellectual property issues? Hosted by intellectual property attorney Michael Snyder, with guest colleagues, inventors, writers, and creators, this lively, bi-weekly podcast discusses intellectual property with a pop-culture twist.

المعلومات

  • صناع العمل
    Volpe Koenig Intellectual Property Law
  • سنوات النشاط
    ٢٠٢٠ - ٢٠٢٦
  • الحلقات
    ٥٩
  • التقييم
    ملائم
  • حقوق النشر
    © Volpe Koenig 2021
  • موقع البرنامج على الويب
    IP Goes Pop

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