Patent Pending: The High-Energy Journey of New York's Pop-Punk Mainstays
Formed in 2001 in Mount Sinai, New York, Patent Pending has carved out a unique space in the American rock scene. Blending elements of pop-punk, power pop, alternative rock, and ska punk, the band is known for its infectious energy, humorous approach to music, and a dedicated fan base. Over two decades, they have evolved from a local act releasing self-funded EPs to a seasoned touring band with a diverse discography.
The current lineup features Joe Ragosta on lead vocals, Anthony Mingoia on drums, Corey DeVincenzo on bass, and guitarists Robert Ragosta and Nick Zinnanti. Their journey is marked by significant lineup shifts and a willingness to experiment with their image and sound.
Key Facts
- Origin: Mount Sinai, New York, USA.
- Active Years: 2001 to present.
- Primary Genres: Pop-punk, power pop, and alternative rock.
- Major Milestone: Performed at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards.
- Notable Project: Created the fictional alter-ego band "Mario and the Brick Breakers."
Early Years and the First Full-Length Album (2001–2006)
Patent Pending began their career with a series of self-released EPs, starting with Meet the Fat Kids in 2001, followed by The Pirate House—a title referencing a pirate-ship-themed house in their hometown. By 2004, the band released ...Is Your Biological Father and filmed their first music video for the track "The June Spirit."
In 2005, the group signed with We Put Out Records. Their debut full-length album, Save Each Other, the Whales Are Doing Fine, was released in 2006. The album's release was famously delayed from May to June after legal disputes with the Save the Children Foundation over the original title, "Save The Children, The Whales Are Doing Fine." Despite the hurdle, the album sold over 10,000 copies, bolstered by the band's appearance on the 2006 Vans Warped Tour.
Vocal Shifts and Rising Momentum (2007–2010)
The late 2000s brought significant changes to the band's internal dynamics. After founding bassist Drew Buffardi left in 2007, he was replaced by Jay Beiner. In 2009, the band released the EP Attack of the Awesome!!!, which featured both Joe and Michael Ragosta sharing lead vocal duties. Shortly after, Michael Ragosta departed the band, leaving Joe Ragosta as the permanent lead vocalist.
To fill the guitar void left by Joe's transition to vocals, the band collaborated with Joshua Dicker and later recruited former The Ataris guitarist Rob Felicetti in 2010. This era culminated in the release of the I'm Not Alone EP/DVD in August 2010, produced by Jordan Schmidt.
Mainstream Recognition and the Billboard Stage (2011–2012)
In 2011, Patent Pending self-released their second full-length album, Second Family. During this period, their music videos for "One Less Heart to Break" and "Dance Til We Die" gained significant traction on mtv.com, with the former reaching number one in every category on the site.
The band's biggest mainstream moment arrived in 2012. After winning a battle of the bands competition at the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, they were named Billboard's "Dreamseaker Artist of the Year." This victory earned them a live performance slot at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Experimental Projects and Later Discography (2013–Present)
The band continued to evolve with the fan-funded album Brighter in 2013. In 2014, they showcased their playful side by creating Mario and the Brick Breakers, a fictional group inspired by the Mario video game franchise. This project included a digital EP, a mockumentary, and live performances where the band appeared in character.
In 2015, the band signed with Rude Records, releasing the Armageddon EP and the full-length album Riot Hearts Rebellion. They further diversified their output in 2017 with Other People's Greatest Hits, an album consisting entirely of cover songs, including a version of the Spice Girls' "Spice Up Your Life."
More recently, the band released the single "Punk Rock Songs" in 2019 and the track "Delirium" in May 2025, maintaining their presence in the scene despite the disruptions caused by the global pandemic, which delayed several of their scheduled festival appearances.
Band Overview and Discography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Members | Joe Ragosta, Anthony Mingoia, Corey DeVincenzo, Robert Ragosta, Nick Zinnanti |
| Studio Albums | Save Each Other... (2006), Second Family (2011), Brighter (2013), Riot Hearts Rebellion (2015), Other People's Greatest Hits (2017) |
| Key EPs | Meet the Fat Kids, Attack of the Awesome!!!, I'm Not Alone, Armageddon |
| Notable Labels | We Put Out, Crappy, Second Family, Rude Records |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the first album retitled?
The original title, "Save The Children, The Whales Are Doing Fine," caused legal issues with the Save the Children Foundation, leading the band to change it to Save Each Other, the Whales Are Doing Fine.
Who is the current lead singer of Patent Pending?
Joe Ragosta is the permanent lead vocalist. He originally served as a guitarist and backing vocalist before taking over lead duties in 2009 following the departure of Michael Ragosta.
What is "Mario and the Brick Breakers"?
It is a fictional alter-ego project created by the band in 2014, inspired by the Mario video game franchise, featuring a themed EP and a mockumentary.
How did the band get to perform at the Billboard Music Awards?
They won a battle of the bands competition at the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, which earned them the title of "Dreamseaker Artist of the Year" and a performance slot at the 2012 awards show.
What genres define Patent Pending's sound?
The band's sound is a mix of pop-punk, power pop, alternative rock, and ska punk.