Process and deliverables
The workflow is designed for reproducibility and scope control. Outputs are exhibit-ready when needed and readable by non-musicians.
1) Intake and scoping
- Define the narrow question (similarity, rebuttal, clearance, testimony).
- Identify reference works and the relevant sections.
- Set deliverables and level of formality (memo vs report).
2) Comparative analysis
- Protectability map: stock vs distinctive features.
- Element-by-element comparison (melody/harmony/rhythm/form/lyrics).
- Recurrence and placement: where it appears, how often, and why it matters.
3) Exhibits and explanation
- Tables with timestamps/measures and recurrence counts.
- Annotated listening timeline aligned to the written analysis.
- Transcriptions or simplified representations where useful.
4) Optional litigation support
- Deposition prep: what you can and cannot say.
- Rebuttal: claim narrowing, corrections, alternative explanations.
- Testimony support where retained and appropriate.