Expert Forensic Musicology & Litigation Support
Objective, data-driven musical analysis and expert testimony for complex copyright, sampling, and authorship disputes.
Why LexAural?
Bridge the Gap Between Music, Law, and Evidence
- Methodology That Holds Up: Our reports are built to meet the evidentiary standards of legal proceedings, with clear documentation and replicable steps.
- Tailored for Legal Teams: We write with attorneys, not just musicians, in mind, making our findings actionable, not academic.
- Proven Impact: LexAural’s work has helped clients avoid unnecessary litigation, obtain licenses, and clear risk in pre-release contexts.
- Flexible Scope: From early-stage audits to complete analysis, we adapt our approach to fit your timeline, budget, and case strategy.
- Genre and Cultural Awareness: Our background in ethnomusicology helps clarify whether musical similarities arise from shared cultural traditions or common stylistic practice, not necessarily copying.
Methodology & Tools
Our analyses integrate traditional and digital techniques, including:
- Musical transcription and score-based comparison
- Waveform analysis using industry-standard software (e.g., Sonic Visualiser, Logic Pro)
- Spectral and rhythmic alignment for timing and timbre examination
- Comparative genre/contextual research for prior art or stylistic conventions
For Attorneys
Our reports are structured to meet the evidentiary and procedural needs of litigation. We provide clear comparative evidence, replicable methodology, and documentation designed to support your legal arguments and strategy.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Wan Yeung
Dr. Wan Yeung (Ph.D., UCLA) is an ethnomusicologist specializing in forensic music analysis for copyright and intellectual property contexts. Trained in musicology and qualitative research, Dr. Yeung conducts in-depth musical and contextual analysis to assess questions of originality, similarity, sampling, and authorship.
Through LexAural, he offers independent evaluations for attorneys, rights holders, and content professionals. His reports are structured to support legal decision-making and align with evidentiary standards in copyright disputes.
Our team is professionally affiliated with the following academic and industry organizations:
Society for Ethnomusicology
International Council for Traditional Music
American Musicological Society
Association of Independent Music Publishers
California Copyright Conference
Services for Every Stage of a Dispute
Litigation & Expert Witness Services
- Case Analysis & Consultation
- Forensic Musicology Reports
- Expert Witness Testimony (Deposition & Trial)
Risk Mitigation & Pre-Release Analysis
- Originality & Similarity Audits
- Independent Authorship Review
- Sample & Interpolation Clearance Reports
Who We Serve
How It Works
Our process blends musicological expertise with legal clarity, providing reliable analysis for music-related copyright matters. Here's how we work:
1. Intake & Case Review
We begin with a confidential consultation and document review to understand your goals and the scope of the dispute.
2. Music Analysis
We transcribe, compare, and analyze the musical works in question, focusing on melody, harmony, rhythm, and structure.
3. Similarity & Originality Assessment
We assess substantial similarity, originality, and potential sources of influence, using comparative and empirical methods.
4. Reporting
We prepare written reports suitable for internal review, insurance, pre-release vetting, or formal litigation filings.
5. Testimony
When needed, we provide deposition and trial testimony, and can respond to opposing expert reports.
6. Documentation & Defensibility
Our reports include annotated scores, waveform snapshots, and clear rationale behind our findings—designed for admissibility and legal scrutiny.
Need an initial expert view on a disputed musical issue?
Representative Matters
Derivative Work Confirmation
Challenge: A music publisher needed clarity on whether a newly commissioned tune was derivative of a temp track.
Analysis: Our report confirmed substantial similarities.
Outcome: Rights were cleared before release to avoid future claims.
Bass Line Dispute in a Pop Song
Challenge: An artist believed a hit pop song had copied their bass line.
Analysis: Our analysis showed that the overlap was due to a short fragment shared between the two songs.
Outcome: Our findings helped the client avoid costly litigation.
Trusted By
“Wan has always offered me both swift and detailed analysis, pointing out both the good and not‑so‑good as it relates to possible infringement.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is forensic musicology?
Forensic musicology involves the expert analysis of musical works to determine issues such as similarity, originality, authorship, and potential copyright infringement.
What kinds of music-related disputes do you consult on?
We assist with disputes involving alleged copying, sampling, interpolation, melodic or harmonic similarity, rhythmic overlap, and authorship claims. We also provide pre-release risk audits and clearance services for composers, attorneys, and rights holders.
What types of clients do you work with?
We work with attorneys, rights holders, composers, and organizations involved in music-related disputes or pre-release risk assessment, including copyright, authorship, and performance practice issues.
What is your process like?
Engagements typically begin with an intake review to clarify scope, materials, and the questions at issue. Analysis proceeds according to established musicological methods, with written documentation appropriate for internal review, pre-release assessment, or litigation use.
How does pricing and timeline work?
Fees are determined by the scope of analysis, volume of materials, and required turnaround. Matters may begin with a limited preliminary review or proceed directly to a full report, depending on the needs of the dispute.
Do you work internationally?
Yes, we provide consultation and expert analysis to clients globally, with experience in both U.S. and international copyright frameworks.
Do you specialize in any musical styles?
Yes — our team includes ethnomusicologists with diverse expertise across East Asian, diasporic, and global musical traditions. This allows us to contextualize musical works across a broad range of genres and cultures, which is especially helpful in cross-cultural disputes or cases involving traditional or hybrid music practices.
Discuss Your Matter in Confidence
Every musical dispute is unique. Contact us for a confidential consultation to discuss the specifics of your matter.