What is an IPI number?

An IPI number is a unique identification number assigned to songwriters, composers, and music publishers by performance rights organizations (PROs) around the world.

It acts like a global ID for a music creator or publishing entity, helping organizations identify who owns the rights to a song and who should receive publishing royalties.

An IPI number is used when:

• Registering songs with PROs and collection societies.

• Tracking songwriter and publisher ownership information.

• Ensuring royalties are paid to the correct musicians and rights holders.

• Connecting a songwriter’s catalog across international royalty databases.

For example, when a producer creates a song with multiple collaborators, each writer and publisher should have their own IPI number attached to the composition registration. This allows royalty organizations to correctly identify each contributor’s ownership share.

At Elizabeth Music Group, part of the publishing onboarding process includes helping ensure musician’s metadata information is properly organized, including accurate ownership splits and registration details, so their catalog can be represented and royalties can be collected globally.

If you are a producer or songwriter, having an IPI number is an important step in making sure your work is properly registered and that you receive the publishing royalties you are owed.

You can find your IPI number with the PRO you are signed to. For example, if you are affiliated with ASCAP, they will assign you your IPI number.