A legally important document that records how songwriting ownership is divided between co-writers. Sign one of these for every song written with another person.
Why Split Sheets Matter
In India and internationally, a split sheet is the primary document used to establish who owns what percentage of a song. Without a signed split sheet:
- Royalties may be allocated incorrectly or disputed
- IPRS registration may be incomplete or rejected
- Sync licensing deals cannot proceed cleanly
- If a dispute arises years later, there is no written record to rely on
A split sheet does not need to be drafted by a lawyer. It is most effective when signed immediately after writing the song, before anyone has time to misremember the conversation.
Song Details
Song Title: Alternative Working Title (if any): Date Written: Date Recorded (if applicable): ISRC (if recording exists): ISWC (if assigned by IPRS):
Writer Details and Splits
Publishing Details
Is any writer's share controlled by a publisher? YES / NO If yes: Publisher Name: Publisher Contact: Controlled Composition Rate (if applicable):
MASTER RIGHTS (if different from publishing)
Is the master recording owned by any of the writers? YES / NO Master Owner(s):
Terms and Agreement
1. The percentages listed above represent the full and complete ownership of the musical composition titled above. 2. These percentages apply to all royalties generated by the composition globally, including but not limited to: mechanical royalties, performance royalties (IPRS and international equivalents), synchronisation royalties, and print rights. 3. No party may assign, license, or transfer their share without the written consent of all other co-writers, except as required for publishing administration or IPRS registration. 4. Royalties will be distributed by the relevant collecting society (IPRS, BMI, ASCAP, PRS, etc.) directly to each writer according to their registered share. 5. Each writer is responsible for registering their own share with IPRS and relevant collecting societies. 6. This agreement is governed by the laws of India.
Signatures
Notes on How to Determine Splits
There is no universal rule for how to split a co-written song. Common approaches:
Equal Split
If everyone contributed equally, split equally. A 3-person song = 33.33% each. This is the simplest approach and avoids arguments about relative contribution.
MUSIC vs. LYRICS SPLIT
Some co-writers separate the composition into music (melody) and lyrics, then split each 50/50 within its group. Example: 2 composers (50% music total = 25% each) + 2 lyricists (50% lyrics total = 25% each).
Contribution-based
Negotiated based on who wrote what. This requires honest conversation upfront. Rule of thumb: Have the conversation before the session ends, not weeks later.
Producer Split
Producers in India are increasingly claiming a share of the composition when they contribute significant melodic or harmonic ideas. This must be agreed in writing. See the Producer Agreement document.
IMPORTANT: Whatever you agree, agree it at the time of writing. The value of a song is impossible to predict at the time of creation, it may mean nothing or it may be licensed to a major film 10 years from now. Protect yourself with a signed split sheet every time, regardless of how casual the collaboration feels.
Free to use · Part of the Indie Music India toolkit · Updated September 2026