It’s a sad day in the history of photography. According to multiple news reports, Kodak (EK) is preparing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, and in an effort to raise cash, is selling its digital imaging patent portfolio (1,100+ patents). Analysts estimate Kodak’s patent values exceed $1 billion USD and could be as high as $3 billion.
George Eastman (left) with Thomas Edison
For untold millions, the name Kodak means something special. Their treasured graduation pictures, wedding album photos, and baby pictures were taken with Kodak cameras and Kodak film.
The digital age demanded change and Kodak was well positioned to take advantage. Kodak was in fact responsible for many innovations in digital photography, and holds important digital patents. Yet, over the last decade, Kodak failed to fully transform the company to “digital” and instead focused on preserving their foundation film business.
The iconic Eastman Kodak was founded in 1880 and at its peak employed 80,000. Kodak today has 19,000 employees.
