Here, when talking about Unique alphanumeric codes used to identify creators, rights holders, musical works, and sound recordings., we are only referring to identifiers in relation to In the context of music, a creator playing a musical work live or on a sound recording. and Typically, the recorded performance of a musical work protected as a phonogram under copyright law.. An original musical composition with or without lyrics. and A person who makes an original contribution to the creation of a musical composition or lyrics. have their own set of identifiers too.
To learn more about all key industry identifiers, visit the Getting Credited and Paid topic.
How are performers and sound recordings identified?
When identifying performers and sound recordings, there are two types of industry identifiers that are essential for managing The controls creators or rights holders have over what they have created or produced and over their identity and image. and getting To be publicly acknowledged for a contribution to the creation of a musical work, a live performance, or sound recording, for example, listing a songwriter's or performer's name. and paid when your sound recordings are used:
Identifiers for performers – the most important ones are International Performer Number: a unique international identifier for performers. and International Standard Name Identifier: a unique identifier for people, organizations, and companies involved in creative activities.
Identifiers for sound recordings – the International Standard Recording code: a unique identifier for sound recordings.
These identifiers are the foundation on which Collective Management Organization: An organization that acts collectively on behalf of the rights holders it represents and collects and pays remuneration to rights holders. manage and distribute money, making sure the money they collect from music users is distributed accurately and efficiently.
When you To submit information relating to musical works and sound recordings to an appropriate registration body, for example, copyright ownership information submitted to a Collective Management Organization or copyright office. your In the context of music, when a musical work is played live or on a sound recording. or sound recording with a CMO, you must provide all necessary information, including the exact title of the sound recording, the correctly spelled full names, and IPN numbers or other identifiers of all parties involved.
Why are industry identifiers important when registering sound recordings?
CMOs, A company that invests in, manufactures, distributes, promotes, and monetizes sound recordings on behalf of the artist., and other organizations around the world need this information to be able to effectively and efficiently credit, track, and pay you when your sound recordings are used. Many other companies making available and distributing sound recordings, for example, Digital Service Provider: an online platform that provides streaming or download services to consumers. also rely on this information to track and report uses of sound recordings for Money paid for the right to use a musical work, performance, or sound recording, typically, but not always, in the form of recurring payments. payments.
Image credit: Eric Ivar Persson, Parapix