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Joseph Wilson with an early model Xerox copier

Our Innovation History

Xerox has a proud tradition of pioneering research and continues to be in the forefront of innovation. Chester Carlson's invention of xerography more than 85 years ago was an extraordinary milestone in the development of the modern information age, as now individuals could share and access information much more easily.

Xerox has a rich history of innovation. As the inventors of Ethernet over 50 years ago, we helped build the foundation for today's Internet. In fact, not known to many, the Ethernet's first commercialization was as a communication bus in our production publishing systems in the early 1990s.

Our heritage of innovation continues to flourish. We have been issued over 50 thousand patents worldwide, and are issued 2 patents each and every day. This is a clear indication of the creativity and innovative spirit of our scientists and engineers.

"10-22-38 ASTORIA" - the text of the first xerographic image ever

The Story of Xerography

A classic American success story on a vision turned profit.

Chester Carlson demonstrating an early model Xerox copier

Chester Carlson and Xerography

Learn about Chester Carlson and the history of Xerography and Xerox.

Xerox Innovation

See how some of the brightest minds on the planet gather at our worldwide research centers to improve the future of work.

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