Verbatim Corporation is a global technology brand best known for its data storage products, including recordable optical media, USB flash drives, memory cards, external storage devices, and computer accessories. Founded in the United States in 1969, Verbatim became one of the most recognisable names in removable storage technology during the floppy disk and optical disc eras. The brand has since expanded into modern storage solutions, mobile accessories, computer peripherals, gaming products, and other consumer technology offerings.1

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Foundation and early years (1969–1978)

Verbatim began operations in 1969 as Information Terminals Corporation (ITC) in Mountain View, California. The company initially focused on digital storage technologies and magnetic media during a period when computers were becoming increasingly dependent on reliable data recording systems.

Throughout the 1970s, ITC developed expertise in magnetic storage products, particularly floppy disks. As personal computers and business computing systems expanded, the company grew to become one of the major suppliers of floppy disk media. In 1978, the company officially adopted the Verbatim name.3

Rise of floppy disk technology (1978–1990)

During the late 1970s and 1980s, Verbatim established itself as a leading manufacturer of floppy disks. The company produced several generations of magnetic storage media, including 8-inch, 5.25-inch, and 3.5-inch formats.

Key milestones during this era included:

• 1974: Production of early 8-inch diskettes
• 1979: Expansion of floppy disk manufacturing in Ireland
• 1981: Reaching production levels of one million floppy disks per month
• 1980s: Becoming a major supplier for personal computers and enterprise systems

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In 1982, Verbatim entered a joint venture with Mitsubishi Kasei Corporation (later part of Mitsubishi Chemical), creating a partnership that would significantly influence the company’s future direction.5

Kodak era (1985–1990)

Eastman Kodak acquired Verbatim in 1985. This acquisition occurred during a period when major technology companies were investing heavily in digital storage and computer-related businesses.6

Mitsubishi Chemical era (1990–2020)

Mitsubishi Kasei acquired Verbatim in 1990 and invested in expanding the company’s storage technology portfolio. Under Mitsubishi ownership, Verbatim grew into a major global supplier of optical storage products.

The company introduced a wide range of new technologies, including:

• CD-R and CD-RW media
• DVD recordable formats
• Blu-ray discs
• Flash memory products
• External storage solutions

Verbatim became especially recognised for the quality of its optical media, including its proprietary AZO recording technology used in recordable discs.7

CMC Magnetics ownership (2020–present)

In 2020, Verbatim was acquired by CMC Magnetics Corporation, a Taiwanese company specialising in optical storage and related technologies. Under CMC ownership, Verbatim continues to operate as a global consumer electronics brand.8

Magnetic storage

Verbatim’s original reputation was built on magnetic storage products, including floppy disks, magnetic tapes, and computer backup media. The brand became closely associated with reliability during the early personal computer era.9

Optical media

Verbatim became one of the most recognised optical disc brands worldwide. Its product lineup included CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, and Blu-ray recordable discs.

Notable developments in this category include:

• 1993: Introduction of CD-ROM and CD-R products
• 1997: Expansion of CD-RW technology
• 2001: DVD+RW production
• 2004: Dual-layer DVD products

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Flash and modern storage

As demand for optical media declined, Verbatim shifted its focus toward newer storage technologies such as USB flash drives, SD and microSD cards, solid-state drives (SSDs), portable hard drives, and portable SSDs. The company now positions itself as a broader technology-accessories brand rather than solely a storage-media manufacturer.11

Today, Verbatim products span multiple categories:

Data storage

• USB flash drives
• External SSDs
• Portable hard drives
• Memory cards
• Optical discs
• Secure storage devices

Computer accessories

• USB hubs
• Chargers
• Adapters
• Keyboards
• Mice
• Laptop accessories

Mobile accessories

• Power solutions
• Connectivity products
• Travel accessories

Gaming products

In 2021, Verbatim introduced gaming-focused products under the SureFire name, targeting gamers with specialised peripherals and accessories.12

Verbatim has historically focused on improving storage reliability through proprietary technologies.

AZO technology

Verbatim’s AZO dye technology was developed specifically for recordable optical discs. It remains one of the brand’s best-known innovations, aimed at improving recording stability and longevity.13

Archival storage

The company has participated in long-life optical storage solutions, including collaborations involving archival disc technologies designed for data preservation.

Portable computing accessories

Modern Verbatim products emphasise convenience, portability, and compatibility with current devices, including support for USB-C ecosystems and mobile workflows.

Verbatim’s traditional reputation has been built around reliability, data protection, compatibility, and long-term storage. Its modern positioning emphasises everyday technology use. The brand’s current tagline is “Anywhere. Everyday.”, reflecting a shift from being exclusively a storage company toward a broader consumer technology brand.

In 2024, Verbatim introduced a refreshed visual identity, including a redesigned logo and updated branding intended for modern digital platforms.

Verbatim occupies a unique position in consumer electronics due to its extensive history in removable storage. Unlike newer technology brands that began with flash memory or cloud services, Verbatim’s heritage stems from physical data preservation technologies.

The brand is particularly associated with:

• The floppy disk era of the 1970s–1990s
• The CD/DVD recording era of the 1990s–2010s
• Modern portable storage and accessories

Verbatim is considered one of the historic names in computer storage. Its evolution mirrors the development of personal computing itself, transitioning from magnetic disks to optical media, then to flash storage, and finally to connected accessories. Over more than five decades, the company has moved from manufacturing essential computer media to providing a wider range of everyday technology products while maintaining its core identity around trusted data storage.

1. Verbatim (company)
2. Our Story
3. Verbatim America – Data Storage, Computer and Mobile Accessories
4. History of Verbatim | From 1969 to present day | Verbatim
5. Anywhere.Everyday.Product Range2026
6. Company:Verbatim (brand) – HandWiki
7. Verbatim Rebrand Announcement: A Bold New Look for the Future
8. Company:Mitsubishi Kagaku Media – HandWiki
9. 50 years of Verbatim – StorageNewsletter
10. 2009 | News Releases | News & Media | Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
11. Verbatim Our Story | History of Innovation in Data Storage
12. Our Story – Verbatim Taiwan
13. Verbatim 2026 Rebrand