Find your song in the Registry and review the splits table. Look for:
- Wrong split percentage — someone registered a different % than agreed
- Missing co-writer or producer — a collaborator was left off
- Wrong publisher — incorrect publisher listed
- Unauthorized registration — someone added without your knowledge
2
Gather Your Documentation
Collect evidence of your ownership:
- Original session files or DAW projects
- Signed split sheets or songwriter agreements
- Recording contracts or publishing deals
- Emails, texts, or messages confirming the arrangement
- Copyright registration certificate (if filed)
- PRO registration receipts (ASCAP, BMI, etc.)
3
Contact the Other Party
Most disputes are misunderstandings. Reach out directly to the other rights holder. The Rights Registry shows their contact info. Try to agree on the correct splits before filing a formal dispute.
Pro Tip
Put any new agreement in writing — even a simple email confirmation counts. Verbal agreements are very difficult to enforce.
Once you reach an agreement:
- Go to the song's detail page in the Registry
- Update the splits to reflect the agreement
- All parties must confirm via their unique confirmation links
- Once everyone confirms, the splits lock and earnings flow accordingly
5
If You Cannot Agree — File a Formal Dispute
If direct resolution fails:
- Go to Disputes and file a new dispute
- Upload your documentation as evidence
- The platform will freeze the contested portion in escrow
- Undisputed portions continue flowing normally
- A mediator will review the evidence within 14 days
- Resolution is binding and splits are updated automatically
After resolving the dispute, make sure your PRO registrations match:
- Go to PRO Search and search for your song
- Verify that ASCAP, BMI, PRS, GEMA, etc. all show the correct splits
- If any PRO has wrong information, contact them to update
- Use our Collection Validation Report as proof of the correct splits
Split Sheets
Always create a split sheet before leaving the studio. Have every collaborator sign it. This is your most important document.
Confirm Immediately
Register your song in the Rights Registry right away. Send confirmation links to all parties. Confirmed splits are legally stronger.
Written Agreements
Get everything in writing. Even a simple email saying "we agreed on 50/50" counts as evidence. Verbal deals are almost impossible to enforce.
Clear Samples Early
If you sample anyone's music, clear it before release. Uncleared samples create the most expensive and complicated disputes.