IP Goes Pop!
Patents, trademarks, and copyrights are often referenced in popular movies, television and songs. IP Goes Pop explores the interface between intellectual property and popular culture. Who owns the rights to creative expression? How long does a patent last? Do the media get it right when reporting on intellectual property issues? What makes a trade secret truly secret? Hosted by Volpe Koenig intellectual property attorneys Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue, with guest colleagues, inventors, writers, and creators, this lively podcast discusses intellectual property with a pop culture twist.
Now in Season 6!
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- 11.03.2025
What happens when one of the most legendary hip-hop collectives of all time turns its art into a first-of-its-kind legal case? In this episode of IP Goes Pop!, hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue enter into the legal and ongoing cultural journey behind Wu-Tang Clan’s infamous one-of-a-kind album, Once Upon a Time in Shaolin. What began as a creative experiment in artistic exclusivity could become a landmark case in modern intellectual property (IP) law that could alter how musical recordings can be protected.
- 09.23.2025
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.
- 08.19.2025
Filing for a copyright application doesn’t have to be an overly complex chore. You just need the right tools for the job.
In this fun and informative episode, 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.
- 03.25.2025
In this second installment of “IP State of the Union: Billion-Dollar Character Acquisitions,” IP Goes Pop!® co-hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue continue their deep dive into the high-stakes world of intellectual property in entertainment. In this episode, they explain the strategic importance of goodwill—the invisible yet invaluable asset that fuels the staying power of iconic franchises like Star Wars.
- 02.18.2025
How have intellectual property (IP) acquisitions shaped the franchise filmmaking industry, and what lies ahead for beloved and iconic characters? Buckle up, because on this episode of IP Goes Pop!® , hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue take listeners on a thrilling ride as they provide an update on the Marvel-ous IP properties that have produced some legendary films over the last few decades.
- 12.12.2024
IP Goes Pop!®, hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue are joined by Jason Lott, Managing Attorney for Trademark Customer Outreach at the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), to explore the evolving landscape of trademark scams in the digital age. Known for his extensive expertise, Jason shares valuable insights into how scammers operate and practical tips to stay protected.
While clever con artist movies like Catch Me If You Can (2002) and Ocean’s Eleven (2001) may make us root for the “schemers,” real-life scams targeting trademarks are far from entertaining—they’re costly and damaging. This episode unpacks the deceptive tactics employed by scammers and offers actionable advice for safeguarding trademark applications and registrations.
