International Federation of the Phonographic Industry
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The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) is the organization that represents the interests of the recording industry worldwide. Its secretariat is based in London, UK.
It represents more than 1,450 record companies, large and small, in 75 different countries. Its stated policies are to fight music piracy; promote industry-friendly[unbalanced opinion?] copyright laws; and lobby for legal conditions believed to be in the interest of recording companies, including DRM. [citation needed]
The chief executive and chairman of IFPI is John Kennedy OBE, who has worked in the industry for more than 30 years and was one of the co-producers of Live Aid and Live8.
In addition to its international secretariat, IFPI has regional offices in Brussels, Hong Kong, Miami, Athens and Moscow.
IFPI recognises 48 affiliate groups, including BPI (British Phonographic Industry), RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America), ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association), and CAPIF (Argentine Chamber of Phonograms and Videograms Producers).
Any company, firm or person producing sound recordings or music videos which are made available to the public in reasonable quantities is eligible for membership of IFPI. In those countries where there is a national group of IFPI or an affiliated organisation, potential members should first join the national body before seeking membership of IFPI.
Domain incident
From October 13, 2007, after an incident involving domain renewal, The Pirate Bay had ownership of the ifpi.com domain. [1] The site title was the replacement backronym "International Federation of Pirates Interests." Ownership of the Domain has since been returned.
Oink.cd incident
On October 23, 2007, the torrent website Oink.cd was shut down. The website showed a message telling of an investigation of Oink.cd by the IFPI, BPI, Cleveland Police, and the FIOD ECD into "suspected illegal music distribution". [2]