STIM's history

ICE is put into operation. The work documentation system gradually integrated from January.

STIM's returns exceed SEK 1 billion for the first time.

Revenues from abroad have never been higher. Around a third of the returns consist of revenue from abroad, a third consist of mechanical revenue and a third consist of performance revenue in Sweden. 

STIM's statutes are amended. The amendment means that the Government no longer appoints representatives to STIM's board, which has has been the case since 1943.

Kenth Muldin becomes the new CEO and Gunnar Petri becomes the new chairman of the board.

STIM begins offering service via the Internet.

Sweden climbs to become the third largest music export nation.

The copyright term for musical and literary works is extended from 50 to 70 years after the author's demise. As a result, some previously "free" authors are now protected again.

An international numbering system for musical works is put into operation. ISWC (International Standard Work Code) is used in around 100 corresponding organisations across the globe. ABBA's Dancing Queen is given work number 1 in the new system.

Sweden receives stricter competition legislation.

Sweden receives commercial radio.

Gunnar Petri becomes the chairman of CISAC's executive body.

The Internet rapidly develops.

STIM involved in EU cooperation.

TV4 launches commercial terrestrial TV.

Community radio begins trial broadcasting.

Internationally, a great deal of work is being done to prevent pirating in various ways, but it continues to pose increasingly greater problems. In 1980, an individual in Sweden is sentenced to prison for the first time for a Copyright Act offence. He had produced over 16,000 illegal records and was sentenced to 4 months of prison, as well as made to pay SEK
100,000 in damages.

STIM 50 years.

Hans Nordmark becomes STIM's new CEO.

The protection term is extended through "Lex Sjögren" - a music counterpart to literature's somewhat earlier "Lex Strindberg". The protection term for musical works is extended by five years to reach a total of 35 years after the author's demise, which is the same term as for literary works.

In accordance with STIM's request, the Government appoints a chairman and two representatives. The first governmental chairman is Nils Löwbeer, who is the director-general of Patentverket ("Swedish Patent Office").

Amongst other things, a reorganisation of STIM results in the interests of popular music achieving firmer representation on the board. Since then, a balance between serious and popular interests has developed over the years.

STIM is founded with Natanael Berg as its first chairman. Conditions are modest in the beginning - STIM is housed in a room in Natanael Berg's home, and it has a very small purse at its disposal. No one is remunerated for their work in the beginning. Music copyright is also faced with a great deal of opposition, in particular from restaurants and cinemas.

Like STIM, "Rundgnisten" is founded in 1923. It is renamed Radiotjänst in 1925, and is currently known as Sveriges Radio. It has grown into one of STIM's most important joint contracting partners since then.

STIM's returns are SEK 15,000 the first year.