IP Goes Pop
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 . 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...
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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...
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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...
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Trademark scams are on the rise, threatening businesses with costly setbacks and legal risks. Hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue are joined , Managing Attorney for Trademark Customer Outreach at the (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...
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Have 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...
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How 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...
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Hosts 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....
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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, which demonstrate...
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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...
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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 from to frame the discussion. They then discuss...
info_outlineFiling 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:
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Pre-Registration Considerations: Know your groundwork before diving in.
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Completing the Application: Step-by-step guidance to ensure accuracy.
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Deposit Copy Requirements: Clarifying what and how to submit for various work types.
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Special Handling: When and how to request expedited processing.
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Post-Registration Considerations: Keeping your registrations updated and managing ownership changes.
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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
Copyright Registration Benefits
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?
(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
(38:01) Resource Guide and Additional Materials
(40:32) Final Thoughts and Takeaways
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