IP Goes Pop

Hosted by Volpe Koenig Intellectual Property Law

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Jun 2026

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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.

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June 9, 2026Episode 435 min

Stuck In the "Middle" of IP Law with You (Patents, Trademarks, and Trade Secrets)

Explore the "middle" phase of intellectual property protection. The period between filing and final protection is a crucial phase where strategy, negotiation, and risk management take shape. Using pop culture references ranging from Quentin Tarantino films to Willy Wonka and Jurassic Park, hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushe connect famous middle acts in entertainment to the middle stages of the patent, trademark, trade secret, and copyright processes. This episode of IP Goes Pop!® breaks down: What "patent pending" actually means from publication to examination How the patent examination process can strengthen a patent How the "middle" for trade secrets effectively becomes the entire lifecycle of protection The importance of preserving trade secret rights via NDAs, restricted access, and confidentiality measures Common law trademark rights versus federal registration Trademark examination process and USPTO requirements The crossovers between copyright process "middle" and trademarks Along the way, the hosts question whether Willy Wonka's factory tours would survive modern confidentiality practices and whether Jurassic Park had one of the least effective trade secret protection programs in movie history. Whether you are protecting technology, building a brand, or managing confidential business information, this episode offers a practical look at the "middle" phase of IP protection where rights are often shaped, tested, and strengthened the most. Key Moments: (00:55) IP First, Lasts, and Middles S7, EP 1: We're #1! Intellectual Property Firsts S7, EP 2: If You're Not Firsts, You're Lasts (01:40) "Stuck in the Middle With You" and Reservoir Dogs (05:01) Malcolm in the Middle and Famous "Middle" Stories (07:31) Why The Empire Strikes Back Became the Most Famous Middle Movie (11:22) "Middles" in Intellectual Property: Obtaining a Patent Protection (17:10) Why Strong Patents Are "Battle Tested" (19:02) Expanding Patent Protection During "Patent Pending" Process (20:52) "Middles" in Intellectual Property: Trade Secrets (26:16) "Middles" in Intellectual Property: Trademarks (30:06) After Trademark Issuance (33:48) "Middles" in Intellectual Property: Copyrights Past IP Goes Pop! Episodes on Copyright S6 Ep 3: The (Copy)Right Tool for the Job- The Copyright Tool Kit S4 Ep 2: Streamlining Copyright Disputes: The Copyright Claims Board (CCB) S3 Ep 11: You Can't Do That-What IP Cannot Protect S3 Ep 1: Escape of the Famous Cartoon Characters- IP and the Public Domain S1 EP2: Intellectual Property Urban Legends -Taking on Myths About IP in Popular Culture (34:25) 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.

April 15, 2026Episode 338 min

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

April 3, 2026Episode 238 min

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

February 24, 2026Episode 134 min

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

December 23, 2025Episode 638 min

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

November 3, 2025Episode 531 min

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.

September 23, 2025Episode 434 min

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.

August 19, 2025Episode 342 min

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.

March 25, 2025Episode 238 min

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.

February 18, 2025Episode 134 min

IP State of the Union: Billion Dollar Character Acquisitions (Part 1)

How have blockbuster IP deals reshaped modern filmmaking? Dive into Hollywood's most strategic moves—from Disney's Marvel takeover catalyzed by the success of Iron Man (2008) to the high-stakes integration of Fox properties. IP Goes Pop!® co-hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue unpack how these mega acquisitions transformed standalone films into sprawling, interconnected cinematic universes that have redefined storytelling and set new profit standards. Michael and Joe also tackle the challenge of franchise fatigue, exploring how studios refresh their lineups by introducing lesser-known characters alongside established icons to their audiences. With keen legal insights and industry know-how, they reveal the blueprint behind these blockbuster deals and what it means for the future of franchise filmmaking. Whether you're a casual moviegoer or a die-hard comic book fan, join us for a deep dive into the art and strategy behind the evolution of big-studio storytelling. Buckle up, grab your popcorn, and get ready for an enlightening ride on IP Goes Pop!® . For full show notes and to explore more episodes, please visit www.vklaw.com/newsroom-podcasts. Key Moments: (01:29) Episode Overview: State of the Union for Major IP Acquisitions (03:54) Evolution of Actor Involvement in Franchises (09:01) Disney's Acquisition of Marvel Studios (14:21) Who Owns What Character? (25:61) Audience Fatigue and Streaming Challenges (30:47) Upcoming Marvel Projects (32:37) Looking Ahead to State of the Franchises Part 2 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.