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Why song splits can freeze royalty money
A known song can still go unpaid when co-writer, publisher, or ownership shares are late, disputed, or registered inconsistently.
On this page
- What a split decides before royalties can move
- Common split mistakes that block payment
- How writers and publishers reduce disputes
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Introduction
A song can be streamed, broadcast and performed thousands of times, yet the money generated from those uses may sit unpaid if nobody can confidently say who owns what percentage of the composition. In music publishing, those percentages are known as song splits. They determine how royalty income is divided among songwriters, composers and publishers. When split information is missing, incomplete, disputed or registered inconsistently across databases, royalty systems often cannot distribute the money with confidence. Instead, payments may be suspended, partially withheld, placed into unmatched or unclaimed royalty pools, or held until the ownership question is resolved. This is one of the most common ways that music metadata problems turn directly into delayed income for creators. [Mechanical Licensing Collective]pitchfork.comThis follows the directives of the Music Modernization Act (MMA), which requires the MLC to distribute unmatched royalties to rightful ri…
What a split decides before royalties can move
A song split is the agreed percentage ownership of a musical work. If two writers create a song and agree to a 50/50 split, each writer is entitled to half of the songwriter share. More complex collaborations may involve multiple writers, producers and publishers with different percentages assigned to each participant. PRS for [Music](/music/)
Those percentages are not merely accounting details. They are the instructions that collecting societies, publishers and licensing organisations use when distributing money. Before royalties can be paid, systems need to know:
- Who wrote the work.
- Whether a publisher controls part of the copyright.
- The percentage share owned by each party.
- Which party is entitled to receive payment on behalf of each share.
A streaming platform, broadcaster or venue may correctly report that a song was used. However, the royalty process is incomplete until the ownership shares behind that song are known and registered. Without those percentages, the system knows money is owed but cannot always determine who should receive it. [The Library of Congress]blogs.loc.govThe MLC's most important job is to identify and locate musical work copyright owners and match…Read more…
This creates a paradox at the heart of music royalty administration: usage can be perfectly documented while payment remains impossible.
Why missing splits freeze royalty money
The biggest misconception is that a song either earns royalties or it does not. In reality, a song can earn royalties continuously while those royalties remain trapped in administrative limbo.
A common scenario occurs when co-writers release a song before formally documenting ownership percentages. The recording appears on streaming services, usage begins immediately, and royalties start accumulating. Yet if the composition registration lacks complete ownership information, collection societies and licensing bodies may be unable to allocate the income accurately. [The Library of Congress]blogs.loc.govThe MLC's most important job is to identify and locate musical work copyright owners and match…Read more…
Another problem arises when only part of a song’s ownership is registered. The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) in the United States distinguishes between royalties that are unmatched and royalties that are unclaimed. A work may be matched to a song, but if less than 100% of the ownership shares have been claimed, the remaining portion remains unclaimed until the missing owners establish their rights. [Mechanical Licensing Collective]pitchfork.comThis follows the directives of the Music Modernization Act (MMA), which requires the MLC to distribute unmatched royalties to rightful ri…
In practice, that means:
- One writer may receive payment for their registered share.
- Another writer’s share may remain unpaid.
- Some royalties may be held pending further ownership information.
- Administrative resources must be spent investigating ownership rather than distributing money.
The longer the uncertainty lasts, the larger the held balance can become.
Common split mistakes that block payment
Most split-related payment delays are not caused by fraud or bad faith. They usually arise from ordinary administrative failures.
Writers never finalise the split agreement
Many songs are created in fast-moving writing sessions. Participants may leave the studio with a verbal understanding but no written confirmation of percentages.
Months later, memories differ. One contributor recalls a 25% share while another believes the agreement was 20%. Once a song becomes successful, these disagreements become financially significant.
The absence of a documented split can prevent accurate registration and delay royalty processing across multiple territories. [PRS for Music]prsformusic.comcalculate songwriting splitsPRS for MusicHow to calculate your songwriting splits23 Jan 2014 — The author of a work is the first owner of any copyright in it (except…
Different registrations show different ownership data
A songwriter, publisher, administrator and co-writer may all submit ownership information separately.
If those registrations do not match, systems can detect conflicting claims. One database may show Writer A owning 50%, while another shows 40%. Even small inconsistencies can trigger reviews or disputes because total ownership must ultimately reconcile correctly. [Songtrust Help Center]help.songtrust.comHelp Center What are Counter Claims?HELP CENTERConflicting claims (also known as counterclaims or duplicate claims) occur when there is a miscommunication between co-writers…
Ownership claims exceed 100%
One of the clearest warning signs is when multiple parties claim overlapping ownership.
Industry administrators often refer to these situations as duplicate claims or counterclaims. The combined claims may exceed the total available ownership because different parties are asserting rights to the same share. Songtrust notes that conflicting ownership claims frequently arise from misunderstandings between co-writers and publishers regarding the correct splits. [Songtrust Help Center]help.songtrust.comHelp Center What are Counter Claims?HELP CENTERConflicting claims (also known as counterclaims or duplicate claims) occur when there is a miscommunication between co-writers…
When this happens, payment systems cannot simply guess who is correct.
Publisher changes are not updated
Ownership structures evolve. Writers sign publishing deals, terminate agreements, reclaim rights or appoint new administrators.
If databases are not updated consistently, royalty systems may encounter competing records showing different entities controlling the same share. The result can be delayed distributions while ownership is verified. [Songtrust Help Center]help.songtrust.comHelp Center What are Counter Claims?HELP CENTERConflicting claims (also known as counterclaims or duplicate claims) occur when there is a miscommunication between co-writers…
What happens when ownership is disputed
A disputed split creates a different problem from a missing split.
With a missing split, the system lacks sufficient information. With a disputed split, it has multiple versions of the information and cannot determine which is correct.
Collection societies generally avoid distributing contested royalties until the dispute is resolved because paying the wrong party can create legal and financial complications later. PRS for Music states that royalties connected to relevant disputes may be held in suspense until the parties resolve the disagreement. [PRS for Music]prsformusic.comcalculate songwriting splitsPRS for MusicHow to calculate your songwriting splits23 Jan 2014 — The author of a work is the first owner of any copyright in it (except…
This can affect songs for years if the underlying disagreement is not settled.
Disputes typically fall into several categories:
- Disagreement about who wrote the work.
- Disagreement about the percentage allocated to each writer.
- Disagreement about who currently owns or controls a share.
- Conflicts between publishers and writers regarding transferred rights.
Each category creates uncertainty about entitlement, and uncertainty is the enemy of efficient royalty distribution. [Songtrust Help Center]help.songtrust.comHelp Center What are Counter Claims?HELP CENTERConflicting claims (also known as counterclaims or duplicate claims) occur when there is a miscommunication between co-writers…
The growing problem of unmatched and unclaimed royalties
The consequences of incomplete ownership data become visible in large industry royalty pools.
The MLC receives royalties that cannot yet be matched to the correct rights holders. It also tracks royalties connected to works where ownership has not been fully claimed. These funds exist because money was generated before ownership information was complete enough to support payment. [Mechanical Licensing Collective]pitchfork.comThis follows the directives of the Music Modernization Act (MMA), which requires the MLC to distribute unmatched royalties to rightful ri…
The scale can be substantial. Following implementation of the US Music Modernization Act framework, more than $424 million in historical unmatched royalties were transferred to the MLC for matching and distribution efforts. Those funds represented uses that had generated money but could not be fully connected to the correct ownership records at the time. [Pitchfork]pitchfork.comThis follows the directives of the Music Modernization Act (MMA), which requires the MLC to distribute unmatched royalties to rightful ri…
While not every unmatched royalty stems from split disputes, incomplete ownership and registration data are among the central reasons money enters these pools in the first place. [The Library of Congress]blogs.loc.govThe MLC's most important job is to identify and locate musical work copyright owners and match…Read more…
How writers and publishers reduce disputes
The most effective solution is remarkably simple: establish ownership before the song enters the market.
Professional publishing workflows increasingly encourage writers to confirm splits immediately after a writing session. A written split sheet creates a shared record before memories fade or commercial success changes incentives. [PRS for Music]prsformusic.comcalculate songwriting splitsPRS for MusicHow to calculate your songwriting splits23 Jan 2014 — The author of a work is the first owner of any copyright in it (except…
Writers and publishers also reduce risk by:
- Registering works promptly with collecting societies.
- Ensuring all registrations use the same ownership percentages.
- Updating publisher and administrator information when deals change.
- Reviewing registrations regularly for inconsistencies.
- Confirming that ownership totals equal 100%.
The goal is not merely administrative accuracy. It is payment readiness. Every completed ownership record gives royalty systems the information they need to move money from usage reports to the correct people.
Why split accuracy matters more than many creators realise
Music royalty systems are often described as complex, but the core issue behind many delayed payments is surprisingly straightforward. Someone used a song. Money was generated. The system then needed a reliable answer to one question: who owns the composition?
When ownership percentages are clear, royalties can flow through licensing and collection systems with relatively little friction. When those percentages are absent, inconsistent or disputed, even a successful song can become a source of frozen income.
For that reason, song splits are not merely paperwork attached to a composition. They are the mechanism that tells the royalty system where the money should go. Without them, the money may exist, but it may have nowhere definite to land.
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Further Reading
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All You Need to Know About the Music Business
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Music Business Handbook and Career Guide
Provides broader context for rights ownership and royalty systems.
The plain and simple guide to music publishing
First published 2005. Subjects: Copyright, Economic aspects of Music, Music publishing, Music, Economic aspects.
Music, money, and success
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Endnotes
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Source: help.songtrust.com
Title: Help Center What are Counter Claims?
Link: https://help.songtrust.com/knowledge/what-are-counter-claimsSource snippet
HELP CENTERConflicting claims (also known as counterclaims or duplicate claims) occur when there is a miscommunication between co-writers...
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Source: pitchfork.com
Link: https://pitchfork.com/news/streaming-services-pay-dollar424-million-in-unmatched-royalties-to-mechanical-licensing-collectiveSource snippet
This follows the directives of the Music Modernization Act (MMA), which requires the MLC to distribute unmatched royalties to rightful ri...
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Source: copyright.gov
Title: unclaimed royalties final report
Link: https://www.copyright.gov/policy/unclaimed-royalties/unclaimed-royalties-final-report.pdfSource snippet
Copyright OfficeUnclaimed Royalties: Best Practice Recommendations for...8 Jul 2021 — from copyright owners and songwriters related to s...
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Source: themlc.com
Title: Mechanical Licensing Collective The MLC Lawyer Toolkit
Link: https://www.themlc.com/hubfs/Website/The%20MLC%20Lawyer%20Toolkit%20-%20V4.0.pdfSource snippet
Mechanical Licensing CollectiveThe MLC Lawyer ToolkitJanuary 14, 2025 — Unmatched Royalties - The MLC uses the term unmatched royalties t...
Published: January 14, 2025
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Source: blogs.loc.gov
Link: https://blogs.loc.gov/copyright/2023/03/mechanical-unmatched-historical-what-are-the-differences-between-all-these-royalties/Source snippet
The MLC's most important job is to identify and locate musical work copyright owners and match...Read more...
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Source: prsformusic.com
Title: calculate songwriting splits
Link: https://www.prsformusic.com/m-magazine/business-and-money/calculate-songwriting-splitsSource snippet
PRS for MusicHow to calculate your songwriting splits23 Jan 2014 — The author of a work is the first owner of any copyright in it (except...
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Source: prsformusic.com
Link: https://www.prsformusic.com/-/media/files/prs-for-music/membership/copyright/rules-governing-disputes-and-duplicate-claims-update.ashxSource snippet
Music follow when the control of copyright within a Musical. Work, or entitlement to Royalties in...Read more...
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Source: prsformusic.com
Link: https://www.prsformusic.com/works/counterclaimsSource snippet
PRS for MusicClaims and counterclaimsIn line with the Rules, the relevant royalties will be held in suspense until the dispute is resolve...
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Source: prsformusic.com
Link: https://www.prsformusic.com/royalties/your-statement/back-claimsSource snippet
Back claimsAs a member, you can claim for up to three years of back-dated royalties, as long as you were a member during this period.Read...
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Source: prsformusic.com
Link: https://www.prsformusic.com/royalties/claim-unpaid-royalties -
Source: prsformusic.com
Title: prs for music statement
Link: https://www.prsformusic.com/c/prs-for-music-statementSource snippet
27 Aug 2025 — The Tribunal clearly identified that the class was effectively suing itself. It also noted that it was not clear how PRS wo...
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Source: iqmagazine.com
Link: https://www.iqmagazine.com/2024/06/prs-for-music-sued-by-songwriters-over-royalties/Source snippet
PRS for Music sued by songwriters over royaltiesA group of UK songwriters and composers has initiated legal action against their own coll...
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Source: newindustryfocus.com
Title: prs for music files legal claim against gaming distribution service steam
Link: https://newindustryfocus.com/articles/prs-for-music-files-legal-claim-against-gaming-distribution-service-steamSource snippet
PRS for Music Files Legal Claim Against Gaming...11 Mar 2026 — UK collection society PRS for Music is suing Valve Corporation, alleging...
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Source: prssongwriterclaim.co.uk
Link: https://www.prssongwriterclaim.co.uk/about/Source snippet
Performing Rights SocietyThis website has been created to inform you of your important legal rights related to a legal claim (proposed co...
Additional References
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Source: federalregister.gov
Link: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/17/2020-20079/reporting-and-distribution-of-royalties-to-copyright-owners-by-the-mechanical-licensing-collectiveSource snippet
Reporting and Distribution of Royalties to Copyright...17 Sept 2020 — The Office understands the MLC intends to provide a number of alte...
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Source: linkedin.com
Link: https://www.linkedin.com/top-content/marketing/music-licensing-insights/guide-to-music-splits-and-royalty-payouts/Source snippet
Guide to Music Splits and Royalty PayoutsMusic splits refer to the percentage each person involved gets from a song, while royalty payout...
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Source: 3pb.co.uk
Link: https://www.3pb.co.uk/barristers/mark-wilden/Source snippet
Mark WildenBrice v Universal Music Publishing Limited (IPEC): For claimant in claim for a declaration of ownership of copyright in a comm...
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Source: law.unh.edu
Link: https://law.unh.edu/sites/default/files/media/2023/06/sharp_lobel-2.pdfSource snippet
royalties: tackling the music industry's copyright data...by AJ SHARP · Cited by 3 — A uniform data entry process would ensure contribut...
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Source: linkedin.com
Link: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/fairciviljustice_many-will-have-missed-this-but-last-week-activity-7369372950623457280-snwYSource snippet
Tribunal rejects songwriters' claim against PRS for Music4 Sept 2025 — Many will have missed this, but last week the Competition Appeal T...
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Source: linkedin.com
Link: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/craigcharsley_prs-sues-gaming-platform-giant-steam-for-activity-7437111044092792833-ghn_Source snippet
PRS royalties impact on game development and music artistsSome of the concerns, about the inner workings of the copyright markets, music...
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Source: theguardian.com
Link: https://www.theguardian.com/music/article/2024/jun/25/jesus-and-mary-chain-robert-fripp-and-more-sue-prs-for-music-over-concert-royaltiesSource snippet
Jesus and Mary Chain, Robert Fripp and more sue PRS for...25 Jun 2024 — The lawsuit – which PRS says it will “vigorously defend” – centr...
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Source: instagram.com
Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRk5cFFiOov/Source snippet
How Royalties Disputes Are Handled At The MLC | Join Our Community for the Full...Read more...
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Source: collyerbristow.com
Link: https://collyerbristow.com/longer-reads/a-summary-of-the-dispute-between-prs-and-livenow/Source snippet
PRS, LIVENow, and the business of responsible...7 Feb 2023 — Most songwriters have assigned their copyright to music publishers who coll...
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Source: facebook.com
Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/372001017008917/posts/1966808790861457/Source snippet
ies would be handed over to publishers based on market share.Read more...
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