Register musical works as a music publisher

CWR stands for Common Works Registration and is an international standard for registering musical works. The model provides the prerequisites for good data quality which facilitates identification and payment of remuneration.

When a music publisher registers larger volumes, registration via CWR is used according to a specific standard. The publisher then submits a list of all works of music being registered according to a defined standard and Stim ensures that the information is forwarded to our partner ICE, as well as the global works database CIS-Net.

Music publishers do not have automatic access to CWR registration. To register as a CWR publisher you can contact Stim's Publisher Services and we will help you.

Counterclaims arise when multiple original publishers or sub-publishers register the same work of music with Stim, which leads to the combined shares not totaling exactly 100%.

Common causes

• A music publisher registers their entire catalog without knowledge that another publisher already has agreements for certain musical works.
• The publishing agreement applies to a different territory than what is stated on the work of music.
• The music publisher is registered on the work of music with the maximum share, despite the publisher not having agreements with all creators.
• The publishing agreement has expired without Stim having been informed about it.
• The agreement may have been interpreted incorrectly, resulting in the publisher registering higher shares than are correct.
• There may be differing opinions about the contract periods or how the creators' shares should be distributed.
• A creator may have contracts with multiple music publishers, which creates a conflict.

How are counterclaims handled?

• Stim sends lists of current counterclaims to music publishers twice a year.
• With the new musical works database ICE Cube, publishers themselves can manage and adjust their claims digitally.
• Publishers who do not use Cube can contact Stim directly to handle counterclaims.

Rules and deadlines

• An early counterclaim warning is sent by the Cube system without a deadline.
• Publishers have 60 days to substantiate their claims with relevant documentation.
• If documentation is not received within 60 days the claim is removed.
• Publishers also have the possibility to either withdraw or reduce their claims.

Older counterclaims

• For older counterclaims, previous rules apply. These are that the publishers must reach an agreement amongst themselves and Stim withholds all payments until the publishers settle the claims.

What is a contract number?

• To register a work of music you need a contract number. It is linked to the music publisher and the share that it is entitled to receive compensation for. A publisher can have different contract numbers depending on which shares they are entitled to, and which catalogs or creators it concerns.

To register works, you need an contract number. It is linked to the music publisher and the share it is entitled to receive compensation for. The publisher may have different contract numbers depending on which shares it is entitled to, as well as which catalogs or rights-holders are involved.

The publisher applies for an contract number via My Pages. If you don't have an existing number, you can always contact Stim's Publisher Services.