Quick answer: As a music copyright expert witness, I help potential plaintiffs and their attorneys judge whether a claim is musically and evidentially strong enough to pursue. I also partner with publishers, brands, and music supervisors to flag similarity risks before release so placements move forward cleanly. Often this is called “musicologist’s clearance.” My work is independent and fact-driven—precise transcription, comparative analysis, and documented prior art—distilled into clear, courtroom-ready findings, with reports and testimony when required. If you’re exploring a claim or need a fast pre-release check, send the works at issue and your deadline; you’ll receive a concise viability read in 24–72 hours and a defensible path forward.
Plaintiff-side — Individuals, writers, and plaintiff firms evaluating whether alleged similarities are musically meaningful and legally useful.
Clearance & placements — Publishers, brands, and music supervisors seeking early conflict checks so releases and ads proceed without surprises.
Infringement analysis & opinions — Comparative transcription, motif/harmony/rhythm/form analysis, and prior-art context.
Viability reads (24–72h) — Fast, plain-English “is this worth pursuing?” assessments with next-step options.
Clearance reviews — Pre-release scans for likely conflicts; concise notes your team can action.
Rebuttal & critique — Review of opposing expert work, identification of methodological gaps, and exhibit repair.
Reports, deposition, testimony — Courtroom-calibrated writing and live explanation when needed.
I compare the musical ideas at issue (melody, harmony, rhythm, contour, structure, lyrics where relevant) across the works, then test those ideas against documented prior art. I separate common, unprotectable materials from potentially protectable expression and explain the implications in clear language your team can use in negotiation or court.
Initial viability read: 24–72 hours (scope-dependent).
Written findings: concise memo or full report with citations, notated excerpts, and audio exhibits.
Litigation support: demonstratives, deposition prep, and testimony as needed.
Email the works at issue (audio/links; stems or scores if available), any correspondence or timeline, and your deadline. I’ll confirm scope the same day and return an initial read within the agreed window, followed—if warranted—by exhibits and a formal opinion
How I help counsel and clients
Action-able opinions — fast. I deliver clear, evidence-based analyses you can cite in pleadings, settlement talks, or discovery strategy.
Court-ready work product. Every memo or report is formatted for easy use as an exhibit and meets the disclosure standards federal and state judges expect.
Plain-English testimony. Whether in deposition or at trial, I translate music theory into concise, listener-level explanations that withstand cross-examination.
Early-stage clearance. For ad agencies, labels, and composers, I flag similarity risks before a track ever ships—reducing litigation odds dramatically.
Accuracy: I accurately assess the potential and pitfalls of prospective claims, enabling informed, confident decision-making for my clients. My public analyses and risk reads, documented on Musicologize, have consistently aligned with case outcomes across hundreds of matters.
Referenced in high-profile disputes. My published opinions have been cited and discussed in coverage of cases including Structured Asset Sales v. Ed Sheeran (2025) and Perry v. Hudson (“Dark Horse”), and I’ve been quoted by major outlets such as NPR, BBC, and Billboard.
Courtroom-calibrated communication. Precise transcription, comparative analysis, and documented prior art, distilled into exhibits, reports, and testimony that non-musicians can follow.
Trusted by repeat clients. Brands, publishers, and music supervisors engage me for fast, defensible clearance and placements; plaintiff firms engage me for early viability reads and expert opinions.
Responsive and practical. 24–72-hour initial reads; scoped, predictable engagements.
Ideally before filing or responding. Opinions can shape pleadings and discovery.
Hourly, with a capped estimate once scope is set.
Yes. These analyses are part of the practice.
Yes. Maintaining impartiality is critical to credibility as an expert witness.
Audio of the works at issue (or stems)… deadlines/court dates.
24–72 hours for straightforward matters.
