View source for Society of Authors Composers and Music Publishers in Israel

ACUM is an Israeli non-profit copyright collective that manages intellectual property rights for writers, poets, composers, and other creators in Israel and around the world. Established in Mandatory Palestine in 1936 (though operating informally since 1934), ACUM initially focused on protecting Jewish authors and musicians but later expanded to collect royalties from various sources, including radio broadcasts, cafes, and public performances.

ACUM is a member of CISAC (International Confederation of Authors and Composers Associations) and has signed reciprocal agreements with other national collecting societies. In 2004, the Israel Supreme Court ruled in ACUM's favor, allowing it to license musical works for commercial online use. The organization also operates under antitrust limitations since 2011, requiring it to report on its activities and renew its collective management arrangements every five years.

ACUM provides services such as granting licenses for internet sites based in Israel, offering copyright protection, and offering legal advice to members. It also runs a creative studio in Tel Aviv, where young musicians can perform royalty-free and earn profits from ticket sales. Since 1958, ACUM has hosted an annual prize ceremony honoring achievements in literature and music, with the lifetime achievement award valued at $10,000 as of 2018.

Controversy arose in 2014 when ACUM awarded singer Ariel Zilber, whose political views are right-wing. The decision led to protests from left-wing activists, including Dalia Rabin, and criticism from several government officials. Notable directors of ACUM have included Ovad Efrat (current), Yorek Ben-David, and Menachem Avidom.