Glossary / Rights

Industry terms

IPRS

IPRS (the Indian Performing Right Society) is the copyright society in India that collects royalties for songwriters, composers and music publishers when their songs are used.

Also called: Indian Performing Right Society

By Aulto · Last reviewed

Who should join IPRS?

Songwriters, lyricists, composers and music publishers. It collects for the song (the words and music), not the recording, which is handled separately.

What does IPRS collect for?

Public use of songs: broadcast on radio and TV, live performance, streaming and other uses, depending on its licences.

Is it the same as my distributor's royalties?

No. Your distributor pays you for the recording. IPRS pays songwriters and publishers for the song. An independent artist who writes their own music can earn from both.

Example

A singer-songwriter in Kochi registers with IPRS and lists their songs, so royalties from radio play and streaming of those songs reach them as the writer.

  • Streaming royalties

    Streaming royalties are the money streaming services pay out when your music is played, split between the owners of the recording and the owners of the song.

  • Master recording

    The master recording is the final, released version of a recorded song, and whoever owns it owns the rights to that specific recording.

  • Music distributor

    A music distributor delivers your releases to streaming services and stores, and collects the money they earn from plays and sales.

Sources

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