What Is an IPI?
The Interested Parties Information code uniquely identifies songwriters, composers, and music publishers in the global rights management system.
Search any IPI — Search songwriters and publishers by IPI number or name using our free database.
Search IPIsWhat is an IPI code?
An IPI (Interested Parties Information) code is a unique numeric identifier assigned to individuals and organizations involved in music creation and publishing. This includes songwriters, composers, lyricists, and music publishers.
The IPI system is maintained by SUISA (on behalf of CISAC) and serves as the global standard for identifying music rights holders. When royalties are distributed internationally, IPI numbers ensure that payments reach the correct songwriters and publishers regardless of which country the royalties originate from.
IPI format and structure
IPI numbers are purely numeric, either 9 or 11 digits:
11-digit IPI (current standard) — also known as IPI Name Number
9-digit IPI (legacy CAE format) — still widely used and valid
How IPIs connect to ISWCs and ISRCs
The three identifier types form a hierarchy that maps the music rights chain:
Songwriter (IPI)
Max Martin — IPI 194014148
Musical Work (ISWC)
"Blinding Lights" — co-written
Recording (ISRC) — The Weeknd, original
Recording (ISRC) — The Weeknd, remix
Musical Work (ISWC)
"...Baby One More Time" — sole writer
Recording (ISRC) — Britney Spears, original
One songwriter (IPI) writes many songs (ISWCs), and each song can have many recordings (ISRCs).
Why are IPI codes important?
- International royalty distribution — When a song is played in another country, the local society uses the IPI to identify the rights holder and route royalties to the correct PRO.
- Rights ownership verification — Music publishers, labels, and licensing companies use IPIs to verify who owns the publishing rights to a composition.
- Duplicate prevention — IPIs help societies detect when the same person is registered multiple times under slightly different names (e.g., "John Smith" vs "J. Smith").
- MLC matching — The Mechanical Licensing Collective uses IPI numbers to match recordings to their songwriters and distribute mechanical royalties from streaming services.
How to get an IPI number
IPI numbers are assigned automatically when you join a performing rights organization:
- Join a PRO — Register as a songwriter or publisher with ASCAP, BMI, SESAC (US), PRS (UK), GEMA (Germany), SACEM (France), or your local society. Registration is typically free for songwriters.
- IPI is assigned automatically — Your PRO will register you in the IPI system and assign you a unique IPI number as part of the onboarding process.
- Find your IPI — Check your PRO's online portal, look at your royalty statements, or search for yourself on ipi.fm.
Songwriters vs. Publishers
Both songwriters and publishers receive IPI numbers, but they play different roles:
Songwriter
The person who wrote the melody, lyrics, or both. Owns the "writer's share" of royalties (typically 50%).
Publisher
The company that administers the songwriter's compositions. Owns the "publisher's share" of royalties (typically 50%).
Frequently asked questions
What does IPI stand for?
IPI stands for Interested Parties Information. It is a unique numeric code assigned to songwriters, composers, lyricists, and music publishers by performing rights organizations. The IPI system is managed by CISAC and SUISA.
How do I find my IPI number?
Your IPI number is assigned when you register with a performing rights organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. You can find it in your PRO account dashboard, on royalty statements, or by searching on ipi.fm or Credits.fm.
What is the difference between IPI and CAE?
CAE (Compositeur, Auteur, Editeur) was the predecessor to the IPI system. CAE numbers were 9 digits and have been replaced by IPI numbers, which can be 9 or 11 digits. Many older databases still reference CAE numbers, but they function the same way as IPI numbers.
Can a person have multiple IPI numbers?
Ideally, each individual or entity should have exactly one IPI number. However, duplicate IPIs can occur when someone registers with multiple PROs independently. The industry works to merge these duplicates to ensure accurate royalty distribution.
Do I need an IPI number to release music?
Not for releasing recordings. IPI numbers are specifically for songwriters and publishers who want to collect composition royalties (mechanical and performance royalties). If you only perform music written by others, you do not need an IPI.
How is an IPI different from an ISNI?
An IPI identifies music rights holders specifically (songwriters, publishers) within the music rights ecosystem. An ISNI (International Standard Name Identifier) is a broader identifier for any contributor to creative works across all industries (books, film, music, etc.).
Is my IPI number the same as my CAE number?
Yes, functionally. CAE (Compositeur, Auteur, Editeur) was the older name for the system. CAE numbers are 9 digits, while modern IPI numbers are 11 digits. If you have a 9-digit CAE, it can be converted to an IPI by adding leading zeros. Both identify the same person in the same global database.
Can I look up someone's IPI number for free?
Yes. You can search for any songwriter or publisher's IPI number for free on ipi.fm or Credits.fm. Just search by name. IPIs are also sometimes visible on performing rights organization websites and in the MLC's public database.
How long does it take to get an IPI number?
IPI numbers are typically assigned within a few days to a few weeks after you register with a performing rights organization (PRO). Some PROs like BMI assign them almost immediately upon registration, while others may take longer to process.
Try it yourself
Look up real IPI codes in our free database:
Key terms
- CAE number
- Compositeur, Auteur, Editeur — the legacy 9-digit predecessor to the modern 11-digit IPI number. Both identify the same person. If you have a CAE, add leading zeros to get your IPI.
- Writer's share
- The portion of composition royalties that goes directly to the songwriter (typically 50%). This is separate from the publisher's share and is collected by the writer's PRO.
- Publisher's share
- The portion of composition royalties that goes to the music publisher (typically 50%). The publisher administers the song, issues licenses, and collects royalties on the songwriter's behalf.
- Blanket license
- A license that gives a business (radio station, venue, streaming service) the right to use any song in a PRO's catalog for a flat fee, rather than licensing each song individually.
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