Case Studies

Forensic Findings

This page presents concrete forensic findings that overturn decades of misattribution and provides legal hooks for retroactive authorship and royalty claims.

Case 1: Bob Marley

Island Records / Tuff Gong

Fingerprint Evidence

  • Kaya, Waiting in Vain, Natural Mystic all show spectral delay paths, EQ bias,and ghost melodies traceable to Bucknor.
  • Metadata lists Bucknor as "mixer" next to Marley — indicating constructive notice.

Legal Claims

  • Misattribution under UK and Berne Convention moral rights
  • Forensic fixation = implied authorship
  • Unjust enrichment and breach of implied contract

Case 2: Trojan Records

Sanctuary Group

Fingerprint Evidence

  • Johnny Too Bad shows spectral match to Dub Sensation overlays.
  • Reverb fingerprint and vocal panning identical to Bucknor's 1976 album.

Legal Claims

  • Unauthorized reuse of sound mark
  • Sound-alike production = passing off
  • Potential violation of common law trademark rights

Case 3: Studio One

Coxsone Dodd Collection

Fingerprint Evidence

  • From Simmer Down to So Much Trouble in The World , Bucknor's early engineering style defined the genre\'s evolution.
  • Multitrack masters confirm layering sequences unique to his style.

Legal Claims

  • Authorship-by-fixation
  • De facto production control = creative authorship
  • Absence of contract = retention of intellectual contribution

Key Insights

Each case highlights how:

  • Metadata and liner notes do not reflect authorship
  • Misuse of Bucknor's style can trigger legal claims

Bucknor's Legal Strategy

Aspect

Legal Impact

No credits/title

Trademark, not copyright claim

Public distribution

Enforceable common law sound marks

Repeating audio marksv

Enforceable common law sound marks

Use in Marley tracks

Rights persist indefinitely if enforced

Strategic release format

Triggers claims for compensation, royalties, or injunction

Strategic release format

A deliberate move to create a brand through audio identity

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR ENTERTAINMENT LAW CLIENTS

New Avenues for Engineers, Mixers, and Producers

Most IP laws undervalue engineers and mixers. Bucknor’s legacy shows:

  • A blueprint to claim authorship without needing traditional publishing contracts
  • That sound-based ownership is possible under trademark law
  • That engineers can gain long-term control over their contributions

Protects Against AI & Metadata Exploitation

AI-generated music and metadata mismatches are rising. Sound
trademarks can:

  • Demand licensing fees from tech companies
  • Stop unauthorized sampling, imitation, or AI regeneration
  • Register sound-based NFTs or brand identities

3. Retroactive Compensation Potential

AI-generated music and metadata mismatches are rising. Sound trademarks can:

  • Prevent unlicensed use of a client's style by AI music models
  • Justify takedown notices or licensing negotiations
  • Register sound-based NFTs or personalized brand imprints

4. Applies Across International Markets

Sound trademarks are recognized under:

UKIPO

(UK)

USPTO

(US)

WIPO

(EU)

Intel

(global registration)

Take Action

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For decades, reggae was seen as a cultural rhythm — a genre of resistance and roots.
But what if the genre had an author no one credited?

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