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Repertoire Management

Repertoire Management

Notification of New Works

Online Registration

  1. You can register new works using the online works registration tool in the IMRO Member Online Portal. For co-written works, members must confirm (via the online declaration) that they have informed all other contributors of the registration and that everyone agrees to the share splits. If registering multiple works with the same contributors, contracts, and shares, use the “Copy” function to streamline the process. Online registrations are processed daily.

Paper Registration Forms

  1. Two types of paper forms are available:
  • For unpublished works
  • For published works

Unpublished work registration forms must be signed by all contributors. For multiple similar works (with identical details and splits), list them on the second page of the form. Paper registrations are processed weekly.

Work Amendments

  1. Amendments to works must be submitted via paper forms. All original and new contributors whose shares are being updated must sign and date the form.

Duplicate Claims

  1. IMRO follows international best practices for resolving ownership disputes. If a new copyright claim conflicts with an existing one, the new claimant must provide supporting documentation within 60 days. During this period, IMRO continues to pay the original claimant. If both parties submit documentation, either can request the work be placed “in dispute,” and the shares will be suspended until an agreement is reached (as per IMRO Rule 6, requiring Board approval).

Important Notes for Writers

Published Works (assigned to a publisher)

  • Your publisher is responsible for registering works you have assigned to them.
  • Writers should register works only in specific cases, e.g., if there are delays by the publisher.
  • If you’re under exclusive contract, let your publisher know about any new works so they can register them.

Unpublished Works (not assigned to a publisher)

  • Should be registered with IMRO as soon as possible. Performance and recording activity can also be submitted online or with the work.
  • Writers must include their unique 11-digit CAE/IPI number for identification. For co-written works, include your co-writers’ CAE numbers. If you’re unsure of your CAE/IPI number, contact IMRO Membership Services.
  • Arrangements of copyrighted works should not be registered, as no royalties are allocated to arrangers. However, arrangements of public domain works should be registered.
  • If you compose incidental music for a non-musical play, do not list the playwright in the author field. If you write songs for the play, these should be registered separately with full details.
  • For specially commissioned works (e.g. for film, TV, or radio), register under a generic title (e.g. “Film X – Theme and Background Music”). It’s not necessary to register every individual cue unless there’s a significant difference (e.g. another contributor is involved, or it’s a commissioned song). If possible, provide the producer’s music cue sheet to IMRO’s Distribution Team.
  • Performing shares and mechanical shares must each add up to exactly 100%.
  • In the registration process, writers can indicate their preferred US performing rights society (ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC). If no preference is stated, ASCAP will be the default.

Important Notes for Publishers

  • All contributors must be correctly identified with their CAE/IPI numbers.
  • For co-published or “split copyright” works, only the shares you’re notifying need contractual details. However, list all writers, publishers, and applicable shares.
  • All forms must be signed and dated. Publisher notifications should include the full publisher name and the signatory’s role.

CAE/IPI Numbers

All members have a unique CAE/IPI number generated by an international membership database (IPI). Members with pseudonyms or different trading names may have multiple CAE/IPI numbers. Always include your CAE/IPI number when registering works and agreements. Contact IMRO Membership Services if you’re unsure of yours.

IMPORTANT

By registering a work, IMRO members declare they own the copyright for that work. In disputes, the legal responsibility to prove ownership lies with the writer/composer or publisher.