Polaroid photography was invented by Edwin Land. Land was the American inventor and physicist whose one-step process for developing and printing photographs created a revolution in photography - instant photography. You can view Edwin Land's patent for the polaroid camera on the left for the camera that allowed the photographer to remove a developing print after the picture had been snapped. Edwin Land founded the Polaroid Corporation to manufacturer his new camera. The first poloroid camera was sold to the public in November, 1948.

On April 26, 1976, one of the largest patent suits involving photography was filed in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts. Polaroid Corporation, the assignee of numerous patents relating to instant photography, brought an action against Kodak Corporation for infringement of 12 Polaroid patents relating to instant photography. On October 11, 1985, after five years of vigorous pretrial activity and 75 days of trial, seven Polaroid patents were found to be valid and infringed. Kodak was out of the instant picture market leaving customers with useless cameras and no film. Kodak offered camera owners various compensation for their loss.

Edwin Land - Polaroid Photography
Polaroid Photography was invented by Edwin Land.

Edwin Land - Instant Photography
Edwin Land invented the polaroid.

Return History of Photography and The Camera

©Mary Bellis

Important disclaimer information about this About site.