What is an IPN?
IPN stands for International Performer Number and is a unique number assigned to registered with a representing performers and managing their also known as neighboring rights or rights under .
When we say performer, we’re not just talking about people performing live. In fact, it includes, first and foremost, all who have contributed to the creation of a or an audiovisual work. In the music industry, it can be a singer, a member of a band or an orchestra, a , 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 .
SCAPR is the organization that represents and facilitates cooperation between performers’ CMOs from around the world. SCAPR manages the 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