Guide

How to handle a music ownership dispute

Ownership disputes are the most common legal issue in music. Here’s what to do if you’re in one — and how to prevent them going forward.

Create your split sheet

Why disputes happen

  • No written agreement was created
  • Contributors remember the split differently
  • A producer claims co-ownership after being paid a flat fee
  • A new contributor was added without updating the split
  • One party registered different percentages with a PRO

Step 1: Check your documentation

Do you have a signed split sheet or co-writer agreement? If yes, the document is your strongest evidence. If not, gather any written communication (texts, emails, DMs) that discusses ownership.

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Step 2: Talk first

Most disputes can be resolved through direct conversation. Approach it professionally with the goal of reaching an agreement that everyone signs.

Step 3: Create the missing documentation

If you resolve the disagreement, immediately create a split sheet or co-writer agreement documenting the agreed split. Get all parties to sign.

Prevention

The best way to handle a dispute is to never have one. Create a split sheet for every collaboration, during or immediately after the session. Use the music split calculator to determine fair percentages objectively.

Prevent the next dispute

Create a split sheet for every collaboration going forward.

Create split sheetCalculate fair splits

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Continue your workflow

Use these tools to put what you learned into practice.

Split Sheet Generator

Create a split sheet PDF with names, roles, and percentages.

Create split sheet

Music Split Calculator

Calculate ownership splits using equal, manual, or weighted methods.

Calculate splits

Co-Writer Agreement Generator

Draft a co-writing agreement with custom terms and signature lines.

Draft agreement

Work-for-Hire Agreement Generator

Create a work-for-hire agreement for creative contractors.

Create agreement