Volpe Koenig

Have you ever wondered how Halloween monsters like Frankenstein, Dracula, and Zombies became pop culture staples? In this Spooktacular episode of IP Goes Pop!®, hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue explore the fascinating legal stories behind these icon characters of Halloween, revealing how intellectual property (IP) law shaped 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 Dracula🧛♂️: Learn about Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel and the epic copyright battle sparked by Nosferatu. Understand how this clash influenced vampire lore and led to the famous idea that sunlight turns vampires to ash, showcasing the lasting impact of unauthorized adaptations. Zombies🧟♀️: Uncover the public domain twist surrounding George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead, which redefined the zombie genre. See how this copyright mishap opened the door for filmmakers to innovate, leading to everything from the fast-paced ghouls of 28 Days Later to the comedic takes in Zombieland. Through these stories, Michael and Joe highlight the dual role of #IPLaw in protecting creativity while inspiring fresh takes on beloved characters. Discover how the transition of these monsters into the public domain has unlocked endless opportunities for reinvention, proving that legal complexities can spark cultural magic. Whether you’re curious about the intersection of IP law and pop culture or just want to delve into the histories of these iconic monsters, this episode is packed with insights and eerie details. Tune in on your favorite podcast app for a deep dive into the legal twists that keep these ghoulish figures alive (or undead) for generations! 🎙️👻

Philadelphia area entrepreneurs, join us on Thursday, November 7 to learn about how investors view intellectual property when evaluating companies. This seminar is an excellent opportunity to interact and learn from intellectual property attorneys, investors and early stage startups who have gone through the funding process. Register today. 

Join us for a CLE webinar on October 17 at 10 a.m. EST on key trends and IP strategies in artificial intelligence patenting in FinTech. North America and Europe patent attorneys Jay Halt, Natalie Raffoul and Bernd Laqua will explore the current U.S. and Europe patenting landscape and examine the evolving role AI plays in transforming the banking and financial service industries. Register at https://lnkd.in/eJ439Aq2

A challenge with the standard patent process is that U.S. non-provisional patent applications are subject to the overburdened queues of the USPTO taking as long as 2-4 years from filing to issuance. In this article Patrick S. Griffin, Esq. suggests that some inventors, particularly startups, might want to look at another option. The USPTO's Prioritized Patent Examination Program (referred to as the Track-1 Program) is an accelerated examination for securing a final patent application allowance within 12 months from the date that a Track-1 petition is granted.

Facing a final rejection in patent prosecution? There are strategic alternatives to filing an RCE that can save you time and money. In our latest blog post by Brandon Theiss, PE, Esq. and Emily Denisco, we explore two key options: AFCP 2.0 and 37 CFR § 1.116 responses. 🔑 AFCP 2.0: Ideal for minor claim amendments, this program fosters examiner-applicant engagement with no additional fees (for now), but it doesn’t extend statutory deadlines. 🔑 1.116 Response: Offers broader amendment flexibility, though examiners may reject it outright, leaving RCE or appeal as the only options. #PatentLaw #PatentProsecution 

Congratulations to John C. Donch Jr., Dawn Kerner, Randy Huis, Ryan O'Donnell, Tony Volpe and C. Frederick Koenig, III recognized in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America; Patrick S. Griffin, Esq. and Josh Schmid recognized in The Best Lawyers-Ones to Watch and Jay Halt named to 2025 The Best Lawyers- Lawyer of the Year list. https://lnkd.in/g6H-HyQt

Hosts and IP attorneys Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue delve into the complex world of deepfakes—AI-generated content that digitally alters likenesses, often to spread misinformation. In the latest episode of IP Goes Pop!®, they discuss the significant challenges deepfakes pose to intellectual property rights and the legal and ethical questions they raise. The episode features real-world examples, such as AI-generated music and digital replicas of actors, particularly in the context of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. It’s a crucial discussion on how AI is transforming IP law and the need for new measures to protect creative expression. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/eqd_rca3

The countdown is on for the IPromise Jeffrey M. Glabicki Memorial Giving Fund. The application deadline is coming up on August 16. Apply now.

The IPromise Jeffrey M. Glabicki Memorial Giving Fund is now accepting applications for a $40,000 Grant. All qualified Philadelphia metro area non-profit organizations are welcome to submit applications before the August 16, 2024 deadline. Visit link below for more details. https://lnkd.in/eCc7CBw

IP Goes Pop!© hosts and Volpe Koenig shareholders, Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue, are back with a two-part series focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and how it can impact intellectual property (IP) rights in an individual’s persona. What’s inside part one? 🔍 AI in Pop Culture: The hosts discuss AI's portrayal in movies like Terminator 2, S1m0ne, and Her, highlighting AI's potential to replicate human beings and the resulting IP issues. 🤖 Generative AI Unveiled: They explain generative AI, its capabilities, and how models like OpenAI's ChatGPT generate human-like text and images, emphasizing the complexities for IP rights. 🔐 Right of Publicity: The episode covers historical and contemporary cases on the right of publicity, including Scarlett Johansson vs. OpenAI, showing the challenges of AI replicating human attributes. 🔄 Historical Recurrence: Reflecting on recurring IP concerns with new technology, the hosts note that these issues have been present with each technological leap. Listen now wherever you find your podcasts!