Shows
What to do in DenverHeadline: Mile High City's Chilly Week Packed With Music, Sports, and MoreHey Denver listeners, buckle up for an action-packed week ahead in the Mile High City, starting right now on this chilly Thursday! Kick things off tonight with some killer live music choices. Catch Aleman & Gera MX bringing high-energy vibes at 7 p.m. at both the Fillmore Auditorium on Clarkson Street and Summit Music Hall on Blake Street, tickets from $64 via Ticketmaster and summitdenver.com, according to The Denver Gazette. Rock legends Billy F Gibbons and the BFG Band rev up the Paramount Theatre at 7:30 p.m. for $66 and up, also per Ticketmaster. Jazz lovers, the Julie Koenig Quintet plays sultry...
2026-01-2904 min
IP Goes PopNon-Traditional Trademarks: How Color, Sound, and Scent become ProtectableWhat 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. J...
2025-12-2338 min
IP Goes PopWu-Tang Clan's One-Of-A-Kind Album Could Rewrite Music Law: Shaolin SecretsEnter 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...
2025-11-0331 min
IP Goes PopA Spider-Man Patent Saga: From Comics to CourtSwing 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 re...
2025-09-2334 min
IP Goes PopThe (Copy) Right Tool for the Job: The Copyright Tool KitFiling 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...
2025-08-1942 min
IP Goes PopIP State of the Union Part 2: Billion Dollar Character AcquisitionsIn 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 Sup...
2025-03-2538 min
IP Goes PopIP 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 reve...
2025-02-1834 min
IP Goes PopRecognizing and Avoiding Trademark Scams and Hoaxes with Jason Lott of the USPTOTrademark scams are on the rise, threatening businesses with costly setbacks and legal risks. Hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue are joined Jason Lott, Managing Attorney for Trademark Customer Outreach at the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), to expose the deceptive tactics scammers use and provide practical tips to safeguard your intellectual property. From misleading solicitations and fake invoices to fraudulent renewal notices, this episode unpacks scams at every stage of the trademark process—before filing, during application prosecution, and post-registration. Jason shares real-world examples, red flags to watch for, and actionable steps to protect your tr...
2024-12-1643 min
IP Goes PopHalloween Spooktacular 3: Losing Your MonsterHave you ever wondered how your favorite Halloween monsters became pop culture icons? In this Spooktacular episode of IP Goes Pop!®, hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue dive into the fascinating legal stories behind Frankenstein, Dracula, and Zombies, revealing how intellectual property (IP) law shapes their enduring legacies. What to Expect: Frankenstein: Explore the evolution of Mary Shelley's creation and how Universal Studios' iconic design—complete with neck bolts and green skin—became legally protected. Discover why retelling Shelley's tale is fair game, but copying Universal's portrayal could lead to legal nightmares. Count Dracu...
2024-10-2933 min
IP Goes PopArtificial Intelligence: A Deeper Dive into Pop Culture Part 2How are deepfakes—those eerily convincing, digitally altered images and videos—reshaping our world? Intellectual property attorneys Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue dive back into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it can affect, or even alter, intellectual property (IP) rights. From AI-generated songs mimicking megastars like Drake and The Weeknd to creating digital doubles of actors and extras in films the implications of these technologies are palpable. Michael and Joe break down "deepfakes" and how these technologies could lead to copyright violations and public relations nightmares. As they navigate these complex issue...
2024-08-0734 min
IP Goes PopArtificial Intelligence: Is Imitation Still Flattery? Part 1Hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue kick off a two-part series on artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on intellectual property (IP) rights in an individual's persona. They delve into generative AI, explaining how it creates text, images, and voices that closely mimic human attributes, and discuss the right of publicity, a legal doctrine that protects an individual's likeness and voice from unauthorized commercial use. The hosts explore AI's portrayal of humans in pop culture, citing films like Terminator 2, S1m0ne, and Her to illustrate AI's potential to replicate human beings. These examples set the stage...
2024-07-1134 min
IP Goes PopIt's Not Bragging If It's True: The IP of TV Series "Suits"Put on your best suit and step into the world of TV legal dramas with podcast co-hosts, IP attorneys, and shareholders Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue, as they guide you through the realities, quirks and possible departures from reality depicted in the TV show Suits. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Suits or have never watched an episode, this installment of IP Goes Pop!® has something for everyone. Michael and Joe lead off the episode by discussing TV shows that have focused on intellectual property law issues, such as Canada's The IP Section and HBO's Silicon Valley, w...
2024-06-1137 min
IP Goes PopUSPTO - History MattersDive 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 U...
2024-03-1933 min
AccelPro | Intellectual Property LawOn Common Myths and Misconceptions in Intellectual Property LawWelcome to AccelPro IP Law, where we provide expert interviews and coaching to accelerate your professional development. Today we’re featuring a conversation with Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue, shareholders at Volpe Koenig.In this interview, Gushue and Snyder discuss key client misconceptions about intellectual property law, copyright and patents. Snyder and Gushue are cohosts of the IP Goes Pop! Podcast and focus on common misunderstandings about obtaining patents, self-copyright, fair use and more.___AccelPro’s interviews and products accelerate your professional development. Our mission is to improve your day-to-day job performance and make...
2024-03-1322 min
IP Goes PopTechnohumanismNavigate 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 "a...
2024-02-2631 min
IP Goes PopLessons from Movies About InnovatorsGet 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 pa...
2023-11-2935 min
IP Goes PopI'm a Barbie Girl in an IP WorldThis 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 l...
2023-09-2131 min
IP Goes PopMcGruff the Crime Dog® and the USPTO Help IP Goes Pop!® Take a Bite Out of CounterfeitsHosts 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 c...
2023-07-1235 min
IP Goes PopYou Can Patent That?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...
2023-06-1435 min
IP Goes PopStreamlining Copyright Disputes The Copyright Claims Board (CCB)Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue are joined by special guests from the U.S. Copyright Office, Brittany Lamb, Attorney-Advisor in the Office of the General Counsel and John Riley, Assistant General Counsel as they dive into the evolving landscape of providing additional access for certain copyright claims, focusing on the Copyright Claims Board (CCB). Learn how the CCB makes the copyright claim system accessible for more people and why it was created right from the experts who contributed to its development. The panel examines the purpose, processes, and procedures of the CCB. Listeners will learn about this...
2023-05-1835 min
IP Goes PopI, Chatbot: When Artificial Intelligence Talks BackIn this episode, co-hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue dive into the first part of a series on the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on not only the world, but on copyright, trademarks, and patents. They examine examples of AI in pop culture, including ChatGPT, and how they reflect the broader trends and concerns surrounding AI in our society. Michael and Joe are joined by fellow Volpe Koenig Shareholder and IP attorney, Jay Halt, to help navigate the complex landscape surrounding AI. Specifically, they examine the role of ChatGPT, an advanced AI model dev...
2023-04-1032 min
MedLink Neurology PodcastBrainWaves #159 The pupil can be a great teacherMedLink Neurology Podcast is delighted to feature selected episodes from BrainWaves, courtesy of James E Siegler MD, its originator and host. BrainWaves is an academic audio podcast whose mission is to educate medical providers through clinical cases and topical reviews in neurology, medicine, and the humanities, and episodes originally aired from 2016 to 2021. Originally released: March 19, 2020 They say the eyes are the window to the soul. Well, maybe. They also happen to be the first organ we (perhaps, unknowingly) examine whenever we encounter a patient. This week on the program, we build on the prior episode...
2023-02-0625 min
IP Goes PopYou Can't Do That - What IP Cannot ProtectWho holds the patent on gravity? Who collects the royalties for the speed of light? In this episode of IP Goes Pop!, Volpe Koenig Shareholders and podcasts hosts, Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue, explore what intellectual property (trade secrets, trademarks, patents and copyrights) cannot protect. Hint- some things excluded from IP protection include the Laws of Nature such as gravity, the speed of light and even Einstein's theory of relativity E=MC2. Abstract ideas are another. But what other "can't"s stand between you, your idea, and protections for it? To set the table, this episode begins w...
2022-12-0734 min
IP Goes PopIP Goes Pop!® Halloween Spooktacular 2: The ReturnIP Goes Pop! is back with its second annual Spooktacular! In this episode, things get much spookier as we pit the top four Halloween Monsters against each other. Listen in for a breakdown of these famous characters and archetypes. Play along as your co-hosts, Volpe Koenig Shareholders, Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue rank Dracula, Dr. Frankenstein's Monster, Werewolves, and Mummies. What powers or abilities do they have that set them apart from each other? What movie or television show made them Halloween staples, and do these movies stand the test of time? Find out who...
2022-10-2735 min
IP Goes PopGame Changing Inventions, Part 1In this episode, IP Goes Pop! co-hosts and Volpe Koenig shareholders, Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue take you through their first round of pop culture "game-changers." That is, who were the people, artists, or innovators where the world was never the same after them? Michael and Joe set the table with their choices for iconic pop-culture game changers in basketball, music fandoms, special effects, TV shows, and stand-up comedy. These were legends that helped redefine their crafts. This episode then takes us further back into patent history than IP Goes Pop! has ever gone before. ...
2022-09-2837 min
IP Goes PopIntellectual Property and a "Wacky" Professor - Brands and Inventions in the Simpson's Springfield Universe, Part IICo-hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue are joined by fellow intellectual property attorney and Volpe Koenig Shareholder, Randy Huis, to once again visit the town of Springfield in the fictional, but full of real fun, world of The Simpsons. Explore eight popular inventions concocted by Professor Frink and their real-world manifestations, or possibly inspirations. From the sports betting apps now flooding the airways with commercials to acid shooting projectiles, the line between fiction and reality may be thinner than you think. If you've ever thought something as outrageous as a "Sarcasm Detector," made by a yellow cartoon c...
2022-08-1036 min
IP Goes PopInventing For Kids Of All Ages With The U.S. Patent OfficeVirtually visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for an inside look at the many available resources, World Intellectual Property (IP) Day, and how inventors of any age can bring their ideas into the world. Join podcast co-hosts, Volpe Koenig Shareholders, and intellectual property lawyers, Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue for a conversation with USPTO Regional Outreach Director, Elizabeth Dougherty. Elizabeth provides a general overview of what functions the USPTO provides in American life and talks about her role in educating a wide variety of inventors. The panel explores famous movies involving young inventors in f...
2022-07-2037 min
IP Goes PopCharacter Crossovers - Mixing Up The IP UniverseThis episode covers the basics of what is involved in licensing intellectual property rights and character rights from one medium, studio, or universe into another. Volpe Koenig intellectual property attorneys and IP Goes Pop! co-hosts, Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue cover the intellectual property rights involved in pop-culture crossovers that allow fans to see their beloved characters, from different worlds, interact. 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.
2022-06-0836 min
IP Goes PopThe IP of Baseball Cards and NFTSIP Goes POP! takes you out to the ball game (and the blockchain) for this episode of the podcast that looks at the shift from "collectible trading cards" to "collectable NFTs". Podcast co-hosts, Volpe Koenig Shareholders, and intellectual property lawyers, Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue round the bases and pull out their most memorable sports cards as they slide home to talk about the intellectual property (IP) of baseball cards, collecting, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Our panel discusses the basics of what an NFT is and how this blockchain technology is shaping the future of t...
2022-04-2832 min
IP Goes PopThe Spellbinding IP of the Harry Potter UniverseWhat can the world of wizards, witches, and magic teach us about real-world intellectual property? The global franchise that is the Harry Potter universe has been both a pioneer and target of IP litigation. This episode will provide some observations for creating a fictional world that has aspects protectable in the real world. When it comes to protecting your intellectual property, there are no magic spells, potions, or wands to be waved. There are, however, trademarks, patents, and copyrights that each provide IP protection for you or your company, in order to protect a brand, w...
2022-04-0636 min
IP Goes PopThe Birth of a Brand: IP Goes Pop Has a Side Order of French FriesThis episode of IP Goes Pop! traces the development of a brand from its inception to a seminal trademark. No matter the size of a business, it is important to grow your brand and establish goodwill in your name - and for that, you need a strong trademark. In this podcast episode, IP Goes Pop! co-hosts, Volpe Koenig Shareholders, and intellectual property lawyers, Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue, welcome Philadelphia's own Pete Ciarrocchi, founder of Chickie's & Pete's Sports Bar and Crab House. When did Pete realize he was on to something protectable? How did he know he...
2022-03-1638 min
IP Goes PopThe Shortest Yard - IP in the End ZoneExplore football movies, toys, patents, and trademarks that have shaped the sport in modern times. From the technology built into the players' helmets, to the glowing first-down line you see on television, intellectual property has a huge impact on the way we interface with football. As we look ahead to the big game, join co-hosts and Volpe Koenig Shareholders, Michael Snyder and Joe Gushue, along with their guest, IP Watchdog President and CEO, Gene Quinn, as they break down the IP that has shaped the sport. Patents discussed in this episode: US1648850A, "Football...
2022-02-0947 min
IP Goes PopEscape of the Famous Cartoon Characters: IP and the Public DomainCo-hosts and Volpe Koenig Shareholders, Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue, are back for a journey into the public domain. What do Bambi, Mickey Mouse, and Winnie the Pooh all have in common? Besides remaining lovable pop-culture icons, these cartoon characters are all part of copyrighted works entering the public domain. With the help of their fellow Shareholder John O'Malley, they walk through the history of copyright term (how long copyrights last), how and when copyrighted works enter the public domain, and the way this area of law continues to evolve as famous and high-value works enter the...
2022-02-0235 min
IP Goes PopHoliday Snow-Tacular™: IP of the SeasonSometimes you have to ask the critical questions, like: Is Die Hard a Christmas Movie? How can you turn your holiday invention into a patent-protected idea? In our first-ever IP Goes Pop! Snow-Tacular™, co-hosts and Volpe Koenig Shareholders, Michael Snyder and Joe Gushue, unwrap the iconic pop culture movies, traditions, and intellectual property disputes around the most wonderful time of the year. Grab your hot cocoa and rethink how you turn on your holiday lights, because in this episode, Michael and Joe are joined by registered Patent Agent and "friend of the podcast" Robert Ballarini, holder of tw...
2021-12-2232 minIP Goes PopIf the Shoe Fits: IP and the World of SneakersFrom the iconic Air Jordans to the Reebok Pumps to the undeniable influence of the Chuck Taylor All-Stars, sneakers have become pop-culture currency. As their status has shifted from a piece of sports equipment, meant to be scuffed up, into collectors' items that are kept in pristine conditions, sneaker culture has become a multi-billion dollar market. So how do you, as a brand or consumer, guarantee your shoes are authentic and not just well done knock-offs? What intellectual property (IP) protections are there for shoes and how do these protections help you in a g...
2021-12-0739 minIP Goes PopUnfriending Your BrandWhy would a company, from the largest to the smallest, spend years building a reputation using its trademarked name and logo, and then suddenly decide to make a complete change? This week on IP Goes Pop! we explore some famous "rebrands," the ones that worked, the ones that may not have worked. The podcast also looks at what we can learn from Facebook's rebrand to "Meta" (announced October 2021) and what makes it so unique. Join Volpe Koenig Shareholders and IP Goes Pop! co-hosts, Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue, along with fellow Volpe Koenig shareholder John O...
2021-11-1737 minIP Goes PopHalloween Spooktacular: A Nightmare On Independence Ave.In this spooktacular episode of IP Goes Pop! treat yourself to the intellectual property (IP) of Halloween. From the disputes surrounding the iconic Halloween mask to the similarities, and important differences, between some people's favorite friendly ghost, Casper, and the ghost in the Ghostbusters logo, who ya gonna call but IP Goes Pop hosts, and Volpe Koenig Shareholders, Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue? So, grab your flashlight and your "fun" sized candy bars, as we take you through three cases in intellectual property law that might spook anyone to check their forms and contracts twice. We
2021-10-2737 minIP Goes PopCome Fly with Us! IP Takes to the SkiesThis week IP Goes Pop! takes to the skies to explore intellectual property in the world of aviation. From the first flight in Kitty Hawk, NC, to the advancements in aircraft that came out of World War I, what patents have taken to the skies since the Wright Brothers first took flight in 1903? In this episode, Volpe Koenig Shareholders and IP Goes Pop! co-hosts, Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue, are joined by fellow Volpe Koenig attorney (and seasoned pilot) Tom Mattioli. If you've ever wondered why we use the word "fuselage" for the body of a...
2021-10-1332 minIP Goes PopWho's Laughing Now?How do comedians protect their jokes or their delivery style? This week IP Goes Pop! goes to the comedy club to find the line between creative freedom and stolen (or borrowed) laughs. Join Volpe Koenig Shareholders and hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue as they welcome Volpe Koenig alum and comedy fan Aneesh Metha, Senior Corporate Counsel for Experiences and Devices at Microsoft. Michael, Joe, and Aneesh reminisce about comedy shows they have attended, and look at the legal protections a comedian may have, or not have, in performing a joke or an entire routine. Fr...
2021-09-0338 minIP Goes PopLights, Camera, Action Figures!When popular television, movie, or comic book characters are recast into three-dimensional, bendable, transformable toys, what intellectual property considerations go into their design? In this episode the panel on IP Goes Pop! takes apart iconic action figures, past and present, to explore the patents, design patents, licensing, and other intellectual property surrounding these valued toys and collectibles. Join Volpe Koenig Shareholders and co-hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue, along with fellow Volpe Koenig Shareholder Randy Huis, as they explore the evolution of celebrated action figures and the intellectual property behind them. From the technological innovations in...
2021-08-1134 minIP Goes PopCarrying a Torch for IP at the OlympicsThis week IP Goes Pop! carries a torch for IP at the Olympics. Join co-hosts and Volpe Koenig shareholders, Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue for a relay through the intellectual property involved in putting on a global athletic competition that turns its top competitors into household names. In this episode, Michael and Joe dive into the trademarked words, phrases and logos owned by the International, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committees and the rights surrounding them. They look at the long tradition the Olympics has in driving technological innovation and the way athletes' images can be...
2021-07-2138 minIP Goes PopDown in the (Silicon) ValleyThis week on IP Goes Pop! fellow Volpe Koenig Shareholder Ryan O'Donnell joins co-hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue to explore the technical world of the TV show Silicon Valley, the intellectual property (IP) challenges faced by fictional compression algorithm company Pied Piper, and how realistic those challenges are to those of real world tech start-ups. Michael, Joe, and Ryan consider "what they could have done" in connection with the IP tropes presented through some of the IP-heavy Silicon Valley episodes. They compare and contrast what happens in the show with the way r...
2021-06-3034 min
IP Goes PopJurassic PatentsThis week on IP Goes Pop! Volpe Koenig attorney and Ph.D. Douglas Bucklin joins co-hosts and shareholders Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue to travel back in time, and somehow also to the future, to explore intellectual property interests in the area of genetic engineering. In this episode, Michael, Joe, and Doug discuss, among other pop culture icons, the Jurassic Park movies and how the genetic engineering in those movies relates to science and intellectual property in the real world. They also explore the current status and methodologies of genetic engineering, how intellectual property laws consider DNA...
2021-06-0933 minIP Goes PopThe ABCs of NFTsWhat is an NFT (Non-Fungible Token)? How are they created? Why would you collect digital files that anyone can obtain or view for free? This week on IP Goes Pop! fellow Volpe Koenig Shareholder Joseph Gushue returns to the podcast and joins Michael Snyder to talk about the ABCs of NFTs. Michael and Joe break down some of the technical jargon behind NFTs and the basics of the blockchain, as they explore the current trends and future prospects of this technology and how it could impact the pop culture world. For full show notes please...
2021-05-1939 minIP Goes PopEdison v. Tesla - A Shocking HistoryFellow Volpe Koenig Shareholder Wesley McMichael joins Michael Snyder to talk about inventors Thomas Edison's and Nikola Tesla's "battle of currents". Michael and Wes have an electric conversation about the race to light up the country and the patents that both paved the way for providing power. They explore the difference between the direct current (DC), championed, sometimes to a shocking extreme, by Edison, and alternating current (AC) advocated for by Tesla. For full show notes and to learn more please visit vklaw.com. For updates and to never miss an episode connect w...
2021-04-0735 minIP Goes PopTaking Back The MusicFellow Volpe Koenig Shareholder Robert Leonard joins host Michael Snyder to talk about artist's rights, and attempts by musicians to regain rights to their original recordings. From Taylor Swift to Prince, IP Goes Pop! looks at what's at stake when giving up rights to master recordings. In this episode, Michael and Robert explore how musicians try to "take back the music" and discuss how different artists navigated disputes over their intellectual property, and how the internet coupled with the likes of TikTok may be turning the industry on its flip-side.
2021-02-2431 minIP Goes PopWhose Movie is it Anyway?What happens when someone believes a movie is based on their original idea? What sets one Zombie film apart from another? In this episode of IP Goes Pop! intellectual property attorney and host, Michael Snyder, is joined by his fellow shareholder at Volpe Koenig, Joseph Gushue, for a trip to a Hollywood writer's room. Michael and Joe explore the intellectual property issues surrounding the stories that make it to the silver screen, and who really created them. For show notes and to learn more please visit vklaw.com, you can also connect with us on T...
2021-02-0337 minIP Goes PopWhen Video Games Get Real - From Tanks to TattoosIn this episode, Volpe Koenig Shareholder Michael Snyder explores what happens when real-world intellectual property makes its way into the virtual (video game) world. Michael looks at the outcomes of two separate cases involving famous major video game franchises, and how their use of real-world images ended up in court For show notes and to learn more please visit vklaw.com, you can also connect with us on Twitter and Instagram using the handle @volpeandkoenig.
2021-02-0327 minIP Goes PopIt's All Fun and Games Until Someone Gets a PatentThis week IP Goes Pop!® makes patents fun (or at least tries)! Volpe Koenig Shareholder and IP Goes Pop!® guest Randy Huis is back to explore the world of toy patents with host Michael Snyder. In this episode we invite you to journey back to a time before computer screens, to play along and see if you can guess the famous toys behind some obscure patent descriptions and titles. What is a "Whirligig"? Did you play with one as a kid, or even now? Find out on this week's episode. To see the patent models di...
2020-11-0540 minIP Goes PopPatent Stars - Celebrities Get Patents Too!This week IP Goes Pop! goes on a star-studded journey of celebrity inventors and patent holders. This episode is dedicated to the music and memory of Eddie Van Halen, an innovator and inventor who changed rock music and the guitar as we know it. Eddie is a named inventor on multiple guitar patents. In this episode, host Michael Snyder strolls down Hollywood Boulevard and discusses some directors, actors, and musicians that have surprising and interesting patents. For full show notes please visit vklaw.com. You can also connect with us on F...
2020-10-2133 minIP Goes PopHollywood and Whine - IP and the Right of PublicityThis week on IP Goes Pop!, Founding Shareholder of Volpe Koenig and intellectual property attorney Tony Volpe joins Michael Snyder to talk about the Right of Publicity. Whether it's protecting your image or even your voice, how has the legal landscape changed in the age of technology and "going viral"? In this episode, Michael and Tony discuss how the Right of Publicity has manifested within different aspects of pop culture and key cases that have shaped the intellectual property rights protecting one's likeness across mediums. For full show notes please visit vklaw.com. ...
2020-10-0742 min
IP Goes Pop8. Hollywood and Whine - IP and the Right of PublicityThis week on IP Goes Pop!, Founding Shareholder of Volpe Koenig and intellectual property attorney Tony Volpe joins Michael Snyder to talk about the Right of Publicity. Whether it’s protecting your image or even your voice, how has the legal landscape changed in the age of technology and “going viral”? In this episode, Michael and Tony discuss how the Right of Publicity has manifested within different aspects of pop culture and key cases that have shaped the intellectual property rights protecting one’s likeness across mediums. For full show notes please visit vklaw.com. Yo...
2020-10-0746 minIP Goes PopProximity Wars - Character Battles in the World of Comic BooksBAM! POW! This week on IP Goes Pop! Volpe Koenig intellectual property attorney Joseph Gushue joins fellow intellectual property attorney and host Michael Snyder to talk about comic book characters! In this episode, Michael and Joseph go to the magazine rack of yesteryear to discuss comic book characters and how those characters may be protected by intellectual property. The wide-ranging discussion touches on, among other pop topics, superhero movie franchises, comic book trivia, and some comic characters that are interestingly close in costumes and abilities. For full show notes please visit vklaw.com. ...
2020-09-0246 minIP Goes PopA (Ph)anatical Guide to Characters and CostumesThis week IP Goes Pop! goes to the ballgame, as Host and Volpe Koenig Shareholder Michael Snyder and breaks down a pending lawsuit, THE PHILLIES v. HARRISON/ERICKSON INC. What's at stake in the case? The future of the Phillies Phanatic mascot. Mostly in appearance. In this episode, Michael summarizes the ongoing case, and reviews the intellectual property issues and future implications of this case. Whether you're a Philadelphia sports fan or just a fan of sports mascots in general, this case of IP going pop should be a home run. For full show notes ple...
2020-08-1926 minIP Goes PopThe Trademark "Gold Rush" to Capitalize on Trending Words or Phrases - Trademarks and Catchphrases in Popular CultureThis week on IP Goes Pop! Fellow Volpe Koenig Shareholder, Michael Berkowitz, joins Michael Snyder to talk about how people try to trademark phrases found in popular culture. In this episode, Michael Snyder and Michael Berkowitz discuss examples of when a famous celebrity (or athlete or politician or reality show star) blurts out a funny or interesting word or phrase that catches the public's attention-- and the subsequent trademark madness that may follow. For full show notes please visit vklaw.com, you can also connect with us on Twitter and Instagram using the handle @volpeandkoenig.
2020-08-0528 minIP Goes PopBrands and Inventions in the Springfield Universe - Intellectual Property in the Cartoon World of "The Simpsons"This week on IP Goes Pop! Volpe Koenig Shareholder, Randy Huis, joins Michael Snyder to talk about inventions and technology in the cartoon world of "The Simpsons" television show. In this episode, Michael and Randy discuss whether and how it would be possible to protect intellectual property from the imaginary and always entertaining town of Springfield. For full show notes please visit vklaw.com, you can also connect with us on Twitter and Instagram using the handle @volpeandkoenig.
2020-07-2231 minIP Goes PopOpen the Pod Bay Doors Hal - Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual PropertyIn this episode of IP Goes Pop!, Jay Halt, Shareholder at Volpe Koenig, and Ankit Aggarwal, Associate at Volpe Koenig, join Shareholder Michael Snyder to talk about Artificial Intelligence in pop culture. They discuss inventorship and how it can become even more complicated when Artificial Intelligence is added to the picture. For full show notes please visit vklaw.com, you can also connect with us on Twitter and Instagram using the handle @volpeandkoenig.
2020-07-0834 minIP Goes PopIntellectual Property Urban Legends - Taking on Myths About IP in popular cultureThis week on IP Goes Pop!, Joseph Gushue, Shareholder with Volpe Koenig, joins fellow Shareholder Michael Snyder to talk about IP "urban legends." What is an IP urban legend? That would be misinformation circulating about patents, trademarks, copyrights, or trade secrets that sounds right, but is not quite right (certainly not from a legal standpoint). In this episode, Michael and Joe surveyed colleagues, friends, and family and collected their IP urban legends and questions. With the help of Joe's encyclopedic knowledge of pop culture, Michael and Joe try to set the record straight. For full...
2020-06-2431 minIP Goes PopIt's an IP Jungle Out There - How Trademarks Brought Down the Self-Proclaimed King of TigersThis week IP Goes Pop! watches Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness, the extremely popular Netflix documentary series about self-titled Joe Exotic. Michael is joined this week will by fellow Volpe Koenig shareholder, John O'Malley, head of the firm's Trademark Group. In this episode they skip the well-traveled discussion of intrigue and innuendo and focus on the intellectual property issues that eventually led to Joe Exotic losing control of the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park (a.k.a. the G. W. Zoo).
2020-05-2827 minIP Goes PopTrailerDo movies, television and music really know what a patent, trademark or copyright is? Coming soon, from Volpe & Koenig Intellectual Property Law in Philadelphia, IP Goes Pop will be your bi-weekly source for entertaining analysis of pop culture as it relates to intellectual property.
2020-05-0501 min
The Marketing RV Podcast with Ranalli and Volpe#LifeHacks 010 #LifeHacks SYNOPSIS “Life hack (or life hacking) is any trick, shortcut, skill, or novelty method that increases productivity and efficiency, in all walks of life” (Wikipedia). #LifeHacks Speaker Series is the name of Jennifer Koenig McDevitt’s business. Similar to traditional speakers’ bureaus, Jennifer’s speakers are experts in their fields who offer a valuable life hack and go through a vetting process. The secret sauce is how this business serves a broader niche and pairs speakers with businesses and organizations. Jennifer is a Super Connector...
2019-05-0133 min
Suffolk University Law School PodcastsFair UseFred Koenig, JD '79, co-founder of Volpe and Koenig, discusses the doctrine of Fair Use.
2010-02-0210 min