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  2. General Publishing Information

What is an IPI Number?

IPI stands for “Interested Party Information.” 

It is alternately referred to as a “CAE number,” and is sometimes still written as “CAE/IPI.” It is a 9-11 digit international identification number assigned to songwriters and publishers by their Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to uniquely identify them as rightsholders.  

Example: 00052210040 (Leading zeros are not required.) 

How do I get an IPI?

IPIs are provided to a writer or publisher after they join a PRO.  PROs in the U.S. are: ASCAP, BMI, GMR and SESAC. To find your IPI number, you can search the repertory of your PRO’s website or contact your PRO directly.  

  • Please note: An IPI is not the same as your PRO account number.  

For more information on getting an IPI, please review our video here

Do I need an IPI to register works with The MLC?

You don't need an IPI to register works individually with The MLC. However, you will need one if you want to upload many works using our bulk work upload feature.

However, there are benefits to having an IPI - including your IPI number helps The MLC match our data more efficiently, allowing us to avoid payment delays. We strongly recommend including the IPI number, if possible.