In this episode of IP Goes Pop!, hosted by Volpe Koenig intellectual property attorney Michael Snyder, Michael takes listeners on a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard as he discusses patents obtained by celebrities. Michael, a self-proclaimed Van Halen fan himself, kicks this podcast off with a discussion of the innovations of guitar legend Eddie Van Halen. Mike explains that in addition to being the famed leader of the band bearing his name, Eddie Van Halen was an inventor, having obtained several patents on musical instruments. Learn how some of Eddie Van Halen’s patents helped provide Van Halen with their unique sound that swept the globe.

The walk down the star-studded boulevard continues with a discussion of other music sensations who obtained patents. This includes Prince’s patent for a unique musical instrument.

The discussion is not limited to celebrities in the music industry creating musical instruments. Listen as Mike discusses how one actress’ radar missile detection patent laid the groundwork for modern wireless technologies. President Abraham Lincoln patented a device to lift boats over shoals. The list of celebrity inventors and their inventions is interesting and surprising.

In this episode:

• Who can obtain a patent?
• Famous patent holders:
  • Michael Jackson
  • Abraham Lincoln
  • Harry Houdini
  • Walt Disney
  • Hedy Lamarr
  • Jamie Lee Curtis
  • James Cameron
  • Christie Brinkley
  • Marlon Brando
  • Comedian “Gallagher”
  • Steven Spielberg