What This Show Is (and What It Isn't)
I started this podcast because I kept having the same conversations with smart people who had built real businesses, launched real brands, and created real things—and who had no idea their IP was exposed. Not because they were careless. Because nobody had explained it to them in a way that stuck.
Every episode has something useful for you. Explaining a legal concept, real-world examples, what you should actually do about it, etc. No jargon. No hour-long disclaimer parade before I get to the point.
Fair warning: I am a genuine horror fan. Around Halloween, things get costumed. The content stays useful—I just look significantly spookier while delivering it. I also pepper in some rock and punk rock references and dad-joke-level wordplay.
I cover patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and business law, with a bias toward what small business owners, creators, and inventors actually run into. I also cover IP in the news when it’s relevant, because sometimes the best way to understand this stuff is to watch it play out in real cases with real stakes.
200+ episodes in. New episodes every week.
This Show Is for You If...
- You're building a brand and want to know what you're actually protecting
- You've heard terms like "trademark" and "copyright" used interchangeably and want someone to explain the difference without making you feel dumb
- You're a creator, influencer, or musician who signs contracts and wants to understand what you're signing
- You're an inventor or product seller who wants to know whether patents are worth it for your situation
- You want a lawyer who talks like a human being
Latest Episode
Featured Episodes
The first question every brand owner asks. Here’s the real answer:
The most common patent mistakes inventors make and how to avoid them:
If you’re a creator signing contracts, this one is required listening:
The IP protection most businesses don’t know they have—and how to lose it:
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Please make sure to like and subscribe so it’s easy for you to get new episodes and for others to find the show.
A rating on Spotify helps other people find the show. Takes just a few seconds. I’d really appreciate it.
About Julie King
I’m a patent attorney and USPTO-registered patent agent based in Champaign, Illinois. I’ve been practicing law for over 25 years and have a background in computer science, which means I actually enjoy talking about how technology and law collide.
I started “Avoid the Legal Horrors” because I believe that understanding your IP shouldn’t require a law degree. It just requires someone willing to explain it clearly.
When I’m not practicing law, I’m probably at a rock show, watching a horror film, or making spooky paintings. Every October I record in costume. The law doesn’t take a holiday; I just look more appropriately themed for it.
Ready to Talk About Your Situation?
The podcast is free. The consultation, with me, not a sales person or paralegal, is where we go deeper on your specific business, your IP, and what actually needs protecting. We’ll talk about your goals and work on some legal strategy.
For the Readers
I’m relaunching my email list—short, useful, no filler. Patent and trademark tips, legal news that actually affects your business, and a few thoughts from a rock-loving IP attorney who has seen too many preventable horror stories.