Introduction: A Technical Solution to Name Confusion
The IPI (Interested Parties Information) is a unique international identification number created for all songwriters, composers, and publishers worldwide. In the music industry, stage names and similar real names can lead to significant confusion. The IPI number is the only reliable way to ensure that royalty earnings are deposited not just to a “name,” but to your specific, unique code.
Structure and Acquisition of the IPI Number
The IPI is a 9-digit number typically managed by the IPI System, an international copyright database.
Distributors Cannot Issue IPIs: An IPI number is not assigned by digital distributors. This number is allocated to the artist the moment they become a member of a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) in their country (such as MESAM or MSG in Türkiye).
Vital Importance: If you are not a member of a professional association/PRO, you do not have an IPI number. Without an IPI, “Publishing Royalties” generated when your song is played on radio or TV cannot reach you.
Master Rights vs. Publishing Rights (The Role of IPI)
Revenue from music should be divided into two main branches:
Master Royalties (via Distributor): Paid to the artist or record label that owns the actual sound recording. These are tracked via the ISRC.
Publishing Royalties (via PRO): Paid to the individuals who wrote the lyrics and composed the music. This is exactly where the IPI number comes into play.
Using IPI in Metadata Records
Adding your IPI number to the “Author/Composer” section when uploading a song to our panel provides the following advantages:
Global Tracking: When your song is played on a radio station anywhere in the world, that country’s copyright collective (e.g., SACEM in France) transfers the money to your local union (MESAM/MSG) via your IPI number.
Protection for Covers and Arrangements: When your song is re-interpreted (Covered) by someone else, your share as the lyricist and composer is automatically transferred to your account through the IPI.
Checklist for Artists
Become a member of a professional association (PRO) and obtain your 9-digit IPI number.
Use your official name associated with your IPI number in the Metadata, rather than just your stage name.
If you are working with a Publisher, ensure that their IPI number is also entered into the system correctly.
©2026 BOAZ Collective Ltd.
