Who 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 with a pop culture journey through famous "Can't" songs and movies. Moving into the intellectual property segment of the show your hosts explore the question 'Why can't intellectual property rights protect everything?'

In this episode, you will learn some nuances of intellectual property law such as legal reverse engineering and proper vs. improper means of acquiring a trade secret. Michael and Joe break down some of the reasons why some ideas may be better suited for trademark, patent, or copyright protection instead of trade secret protection. If you've ever wanted to know what you can and cannot do in the IP world, this episode is for you!

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.

Timestamps:

02:43 "Can't" Albums & Songs

06:30 "Can't" Movies

09:11 Trade Secrets "Can't"s….

19:35 Patents "Can't"s…  

26:29 Trademarks "Can't"s…

30:08 Copyright "Can't"s…

32:51 Final Thoughts