Patent Rights Under Siege and California’s Regulatory Overreach

On October 9, 2025, guest host Marshall Dawson fills in for Kim Monson to explore patent rights under siege, California’s regulatory overreach on the auto industry, the Colorado Constitution’s unique powers, and the role of nonprofits in a free society with Karen Gordey of Radiant Painting, Dave Evans of Colorado Union of Taxpayers, automotive expert Lauren Fix, Terri Goon of Colorado Horse Rescue, and inventors Molly Metz and Dirk Metz.

Local Business and Community Engagement

Start listening at 8:30 – Hour 1

Karen Gordey, owner of Radiant Painting and Lighting, discusses her business philosophy of striving for excellence and using premium materials to protect homeowners’ investments. Gordey also shares her campaign for Lakewood City Council, where she aims to bring the same dedication to public service. With ballots mailing out the next day, she and her team were working to distribute 10,000 door hangers across her ward.

“We strive for excellence in everything that we do. It’s all about quality. We’re not just your average paint company, where you’ll paint and then you get a taillight warranty as we drive away.”

Karen Gordey, Owner, Radiant Painting and Lighting

Colorado’s Constitutional Framework

Start listening at 18:40 – Hour 1

Dave Evans, board member of the Colorado Union of Taxpayers, provides a primer on the Colorado Constitution, drawing from David Kopel’s book “Colorado Constitutional Law and History.” Evans explains how Colorado’s constitution differs from the federal model, with 29 articles instead of five, and how amendments like TABOR are woven into their respective articles rather than listed separately. The constitution’s strong provisions for self-governance make Colorado unique among states.

“The Constitution makes the people sovereign, not the government. The people have the sole and exclusive right of governing under our Constitution.”

Dave Evans, Board Member, Colorado Union of Taxpayers

Auto Industry Battles EV Mandates and Tariff Negotiations

Start listening at 30:17 – Hour 1

Lauren Fix of Car Coach Reports delivers a comprehensive analysis of the automotive landscape, from plummeting EV resale values to Trump’s tariff negotiations. Fix warns consumers that electric vehicles can depreciate 60-70 percent, leaving owners unable to trade them in. She recommends leasing over buying for both EVs and hybrids to avoid being stuck with a depreciating asset. The automotive expert also breaks down the Fuel Emissions Freedom Act (H.R. 4117), which seeks to repeal CAFE standards and end California’s outsized influence over national vehicle regulations.

“The goal is to take away the powers of California. The California Air Resources Board has been calling the rules for decades. It’s time for that to go away. One state constitutionally cannot make the rules for the other 49.”

Lauren Fix, Car Coach Reports

Capitalism and Charitable Giving

Start listening at 78:26 – Hour 2

Terri Goon of Colorado Horse Rescue makes a compelling case for nonprofits as the purest form of capitalism. People earn money through their work, then invest in causes they believe in rather than waiting for government intervention. The rescue maintains 60 horses with specialized diets and healthcare needs, funded entirely by donors who trust the organization to be good stewards. Goon notes the contrast with political parties, where infighting often discourages donations despite shared goals.

“A nonprofit is a way to give that money where you think it works the best, versus waiting around for the government to step in and fix the problem.”

Terri Goon, Colorado Horse Rescue

Inventors Fight Back Against Patent Theft

Start listening at 93:56 – Hour 2

Molly Metz, five-time world jump rope champion and inventor, recounts her battle to protect her patented dual-bearing jump rope technology. After successfully stopping 150 infringers over three years, Metz sued fitness giant Rogue Fitness only to have her case diverted to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). In a one-hour Zoom hearing, both her patents were invalidated. Her husband Dirk explains how the America Invents Act created this administrative court where 84 percent of patents are invalidated, often benefiting tech giants like Google, Samsung, and Apple who were the law’s primary lobbyists.

“You invest a decade of your life into something and you stamp patented on all your products, your family is proud, your neighbors, and everyone is rooting you on, and then you’re protected up until 150 infringers, and then the 151st one, you send them to court, you’re sent to this administrative court, and your patents are invalidated.”

Molly Metz, Inventor, Jump and Rope