SAMI (Swedish Artists and Musicians Interest Organization) was founded in 1963 on the initiative of the Swedish Musicians Union and the Swedish Actors Union to administer the rights of performing artists stipulated in the Swedish Copyright Act (1960:729) and corresponding legislation in other countries, mainly within the framework of the Rome Convention (1961).

SMF,SYMF and STF
SAMI co-operates with the trade unions of Swedish musicians and artists (SMF, SYMF, and STF) which, in accordance with the Statutes of SAMI, are represented on the Board of SAMI.

SAMI a member of COPYSWEDE
The main task for SAMI is to collect and distribute compensation for the public use of recorded performances such as the public performance of sound recordings. Radio and T.V. broadcasting of sound recordings.
Retransmission and cable distribution of broadcast music.
SAMI is also responsible for the administration of rights and remuneration for other secondary uses of recorded performances of performing artists.
SAMI is a member of COPYSWEDE, which is the organization for coordinated collection of remuneration from cable operators for the retransmission of broadcasts.

Fellow organizations
SAMI carries out its activities in close co-operation with its fellow organizations in other countries, and with the International Federation of Musicians (FIM) and the International Federation of Actors (FIA). SAMI is a member of SCAPR (Societies Council for the Administration of Performers Rights) and AEPO (Association of European Performers Organizations).