What Is GS1’s Outdated GEPIR Database and Why Doesn’t It Show My Company?
- GS1’s GEPIR database contains outdated ownership records for GTINs issued before 2002.
- Legacy, ownable GTINs—like those sold by Bar Codes Talk—will often display old company names in GS1’s system.
- These records are outdated because GS1 no longer owns or manages those pre-2002 prefixes.
- Bar Codes Talk maintains its own accurate, modern GEPIR database for all customers.
We’re glad to explain GS1’s outdated GEPIR database.
GEPIR stands for Global Electronic Party Information Registry. It is a public lookup tool that GS1 maintains—but only for GTINs that GS1 currently issues under their rental system.
Why does GS1’s GEPIR database show the wrong company name?
If you visit GS1’s rental site, their GEPIR lookup shows ownership information for barcode prefixes dating back to the 1970s. But if you search for a GTIN that is legally ownable (a legacy GTIN from the 2002 lawsuit settlement), you will often see a company name that does not match your own.
That older name is simply one of the thousands of companies that originally owned the prefix before Bar Codes Talk purchased those rights in bulk over the last decade.
Why is GEPIR outdated for pre-2002 GTINs?
Bar Codes Talk actively purchases UPC barcode prefixes that are legally ownable due to GS1’s 2002 class action lawsuit and settlement. (More details here: HERE)
GS1’s GEPIR database is not updated for any prefix issued before 2002. It is only accurate for GTINs that GS1 under their fee-based system.
A simple analogy
Example: Searching GEPIR is like going to the DMV and asking who owned a car in 1973. They might know the original owner, but not the current one.
In short, GS1/GEPIR does not own or manage the rights to almost all UPC prefixes issued before August 28, 2002—dating back to GS1’s founding in the 1970s.
Does GS1 have any authority over my GTINs?
No. For these grandfathered, legacy barcodes, GS1’s site—while factually correct about historical ownership—is ignored. GS1 has no control or say over your GTINs or how you choose to use them now.
Do I legally own my barcodes?
Yes. Your company fully and legally owns the barcodes you purchased, and no one may use them without your permission. To read more on this topic, visit our educational FAQ pages: HERE.
How can I verify my GTIN ownership today?
You can verify the personal or company information you provided with your GTINs in our public database here: HERE.
We publish our own public GEPIR database because we are, by far, the largest seller of legally ownable GTINs in the world.
