Forensic Litigation Royalty Audit Experts (FLARE, Inc.) ®
Experience You Can Count On
World renown damages expert with more than 30 years of experience opining on forensics, lost profits, intellectual property, breach of contract, royalty audits, marketing, and fraud. A world leading expert on royalty auditing and royalty agreements. Former Big 4 Partner and Chief Audit Officer at Beats Electronics until its sale to Apple. A career split between leading companies (Disney, Oxy, Unocal) and CPA firms. An author of two books on financial terms in agreements (Oxford University Press & LexisNexis). Financial damages expert in matters with claims up to several billion dollars.
Complex Business Litigation and Intellectual Property Expert Witness
Expert witness in more than 120 cases in Federal, State, arbitration, and USITC matters. Case experience includes contract breach, complex commercial litigation, patent, trademark, copyright, wrongful termination, false advertising, personal injury, energy, partnerships, and professional accounting standards. His clients have won more than 90% of the cases and his calculations are generally (99%+) accepted over other experts. Deep industry expertise in entertainment, apparel, energy, chemicals, consumer products, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, construction, licensing, manufacturing, software, hardware, service and toys.
Royalty Audits & Agreements
Blum led the national royalty audit practices for Big 4 firms Ernst & Young and KPMG where he also wrote the global contract audit methodologies. His clients have ranged from industry leaders to individuals. Commonly audited industries include consumer products, electronics, software, apparel, media and entertainment, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, toys, foods, and automotive. He also frequently talks about royalty agreements to bar organizations, law firms and at major events. He testifies on royalty auditor compliance within AICPA Standards. Representative clients have included Amgen Biotech, Microsoft, Disney, Dolby, Sony, Paramount Pictures, Mattel, GM, Sears, IGT, Tony Roma’s, Classic Media, Everlast Boxing, IMG, Time Warner, Philips, Tessera, Diageo, Harley-Davidson, Chrysler, J.C. Penny, Ross, Obey Clothing, Barry’s Bootcamp, DKNY, Ed Hardy, Body Glove, K Swiss, NBA, NFL, UMB Bank, Bank of America, US Polo Association, Conor McGregor, Tom Hanks, Lady Gaga, Dr. Dre., Justin Bieber, will.i.am, Steven Spielberg, Charlize Theron, Jimmy Iovine, Fleetwood Mac, Woody Allen, Shark Tank, The Apprentice, Nickelodeon, Marvel, HIT Entertainment, Warner Bros,. WWE, Hasbro, McDonalds, SAG, DGA, WGA, and many more.
Sample Landmark Cases
- UMB Bank v. Sanofi: Stock contingent value rights ($315 million).
- Jillian Michaels v. Lionsgate: free video content released on YouTube ($5.8 million).
- MBC v. Create New Technology: DMCA theft of cable signals ($66.7 million).
- Converse, Inc. vs. Highline United: USITC trademark case for defense.