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using fake UPC code to sell on itunes?

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  • Feb 29th, 2012 2:54 am
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Deal Addict
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Feb 8, 2006
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Montreal

using fake UPC code to sell on itunes?

I'm using catapult distribution as my intermediate to sell music on itunes.
I'm seeing that they charge an additional 20$ to generate a UPC code for you.


What are the ramifications of:

1) Using a fake UPC code or the UPC code from a book or DVD
2) Using a UPC code from another album that I own the rights to (but the song doesn't appear on that particular album)
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May 9, 2009
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I'd imagine if the music stores require the UPC, they'd verify it first before posting your music.
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Jan 30, 2007
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cloneman wrote: I'm using catapult distribution as my intermediate to sell music on itunes.
I'm seeing that they charge an additional 20$ to generate a UPC code for you.


What are the ramifications of:

1) Using a fake UPC code or the UPC code from a book or DVD
2) Using a UPC code from another album that I own the rights to (but the song doesn't appear on that particular album)
Since UPC stands for "Universal Product Code", taking another product's code could cause problems down the track. There are options out there to create a legitimate UPC, so I would suggest utilising those, or paying for the UPC from Catapult.
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Nov 12, 2006
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iamnotamerican.com wrote: Since UPC stands for "Universal Product Code", taking another product's code could cause problems down the track. There are options out there to create a legitimate UPC, so I would suggest utilising those, or paying for the UPC from Catapult.

Taking another product's code WILL cause problems down the track.

UPC are governed and basically owned by a central group. You will get a cease and desist letter from a law firm if you copy another or make it up and you will have headaches with the retailers if they are informed that the UPC is counterfeit.

Here is a link on UPCs with good how to info and some info on costs: http://www.startupnation.com/business-a ... c-code.asp

sm
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Nov 12, 2006
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psyko514 wrote: I'd imagine if the music stores require the UPC, they'd verify it first before posting your music.

+1
Yes, there is a UPC central database. Their scanners will read the UPC and return the corresponding information from the database.
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Feb 8, 2006
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Still, I'd be tempted to use one from a DVD or Book that I own the rights to. I dont see why I should need a freakin UPC to sell on itunes.
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cloneman wrote: Still, I'd be tempted to use one from a DVD or Book that I own the rights to. I dont see why I should need a freakin UPC to sell on itunes.

Because it is their store and they make the rules. Don't like it? Then don't sell there.

Seems to me that a prolific content producer such as yourself should be able to afford the $20 fee. It takes money to make money.

http://www.apple.com/itunes/content-pro ... c-faq.html
Do I need UPCs and ISRCs?
A UPC (Universal Product Code) uniquely identifies each album and helps sellers ensure that they are marketing the right album. An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) uniquely identifies individual songs. Both identifiers are required metadata for all audio delivered to iTunes.

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