It’s World Photography Day, so we thought we’d highlight a few notable patents on the subject.

 

Daguerre – English patent 8,194 of 1839.

First up is the Daguerreotype, the first commercial photographic process, which was invented by Louis Daguerre in France. Not only did it produce highly detailed photographs, but it shortened exposure times from hours to minutes. The French government acquired the rights to the process and presented it ‘free to the world’ on the 19th August 1839. Unfortunately, a patent had been filed in England five days before; meaning English photographers were not allowed to use the process without first paying a license fee.

 

Eastman – US patent 388,850.

In 1888, George Eastman patented and released the Kodak, the first successful roll-film hand camera. It was sold with the film pre-installed and, once all the photographs had been taken, the camera was posted back to the company who handled the developing. The camera, with a new roll of film installed, would be posted back, along with the developed prints of course. Hence the slogan ‘You press the button, we do the rest’. Photography had never been so easy.

 

Land – US patent 2,543,181.

 

 

Polaroid founder Edwin H Land held 535 patents over the course of his life, but it is the invention of self-developing / instant film that he is best remembered. Even in the age of camera phones, his Polaroid camera remains an icon.

 

Want to learn more about the importance of patents and why they matter to your intellectual property (IP)? Check out our free webinars and workshops, or book in a free one-to-one with our IP experts today!