Brand & New
Brand & New is a podcast produced by the International Trademark Association (INTA) and focused on innovation. Published monthly, each episode consists of an open dialogue with experts, visionaries, and influential people from all over the world in order to learn more about the evolution of the legal and intellectual property ecosystem, its concepts, and all actual or potential consequences. Because we consider innovation as a pillar of INTA’s Strategic Plan, and because it is key to “walk the talk,” we invite you to follow Brand & New, to expand your knowledge about the transformation of this industry and to stay curious! Brand & New guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity and the opinions expressed (or experiences shared) are their own. They do not purport to reflect the views or opinions of INTA or its members.
Brand & New
When Music Meets IP: A Conversation with Mei-lan Stark and Rick McMurtry
As AI-generated music floods the market, the music industry faces unprecedented questions about creativity, copyright, and compensation. But behind every evolving technology and headline debate are the lawyers, often musicians themselves, who navigate the space where art and law converge.
In this episode of Brand & New, guest host Rudy Gaines sits down with two leading intellectual property practitioners whose personal and professional lives are deeply connected to music: INTA Past President Mei-lan Stark, Executive Vice President and Chief Counsel for IP at NBCUniversal (USA) and Rick McMurtry, Founding Partner at M|C Law Group (USA).
From childhood music lessons to high-stakes licensing negotiations, both guests share how their lifelong connection to music has shaped their careers, protecting creative works. Together, they trace the soundtrack of the industry’s evolution, from the era of Napster to today’s AI-driven soundscapes, exploring how innovation challenges what it means to be both creator and protector.
This episode was recorded live during INTA’s 2025 Annual Meeting in San Diego, California.
Resources:
Related Brand & New Episodes: