What is an IPN?
IPN stands for International Performer Number and is a unique number assigned to In the context of music, a creator playing a musical work live or on a sound recording. registered with a Collective Management Organization: An organization that acts collectively on behalf of the rights holders it represents and collects and pays remuneration to rights holders. representing performers and managing their also known as neighboring rights or rights under National laws that protect creators' and other rights holders' moral and economic rights in musical works, performances, and sound recordings..
When we say performer, we’re not just talking about people performing live. In fact, it includes, first and foremost, all In the context of music, a solo performer or group of performers who perform a musical work live or recorded. who have contributed to the creation of a Typically, the recorded performance of a musical work protected as a phonogram under copyright law. or an audiovisual work. In the music industry, it can be a singer, a member of a band or an orchestra, a A creator typically hired by recording studios or music producers to perform an instrument or provide vocals as part of a sound recording or live performance. They are usually paid a flat fee to contribute to a performance on a sound recording., a vocalist, etc. IPNs help CMOs to properly identify all performers that have contributed to a sound recording and to distribute royalties, renumerations and other payments to the rightful performers.
These unique identifiers make the payment accounting process much easier and more accurate, as performers can be identified by their IPN rather than relying solely on their names. This is especially important in the case of people with same name, unusual spelling, or unique characters in their names.
Who is an IPN for?
An IPN is an identification number for performers—which includes any performer roles.
We have more information on performer roles in our Recording topic.
How do you get an IPN?
To receive an IPN, a performer will have to register with a performer’s CMO that is a member of or has an agreement with Societies' Council for the Collective Management of Performers' Rights: the international association for the development of the practical cooperation between performers' collective management organizations..
SCAPR is the organization that represents and facilitates cooperation between performers’ CMOs from around the world. SCAPR manages the International Performers Database: a database that holds details and the unique identifier of performers in sound recordings and audio-visual works. a database of more than 1,000,000 performers globally, which assigns each IPN.
Visit the SCAPR website to learn more about SCAPR.
Why is an IPN important?
The IPN is how you, as a performer, will be identified every time you perform on a sound recording. It is unique and essential for getting paid for the use of the sound recording you contribute to. Think of it just like you would your social security number: remember it, and always make sure it is included on every registered sound recording you contribute to.
Image credit: Martin Fabricius Rasmussen