Aniline copolymers and the synthesis thereof for use as antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal or antiviral material) material of for the manufacture of antimicrobial objects, suitable for use in the health, food, packaging, water, paint, wood, textile, poultry, glass, paper, rubber, ceramic, seafood, sports, plastic and agricultural industries. The copolymer may be for example (A): where for example R3=H5&mdashCO2H, &mdashCO2Me, or &mdashCO2Et. R is typically H or a C1-C6 alkyl, x is an integer between 1 and 0 and m indicates the degree of polymerisation. Preferred copolymers are copolymers of aniline with 3-aminobenzoic acid, 2-aminobenzoic acid and ethyl 3-aminobenzoate.