disclosed is a novel antistatic pressure - sensitive adhesive composition essentially comprising an aqueous latex copolymer of a vinyl ester and an alkyl acrylate to which an adhesive - compatible ammonium salt has been added . an antistatic pressure - sensitive adhesive is prepared by dispersing , as an antistatic promoter , a compatible ammonium salt , such as a quaternary ammonium salt , directly with the latex copolymer . by coating one side of a suitable release paper with the antistatic pressure - sensitive adhesive thus prepared and thereafter laminating the adhesive side of the coated release paper to a film material , the tendency for such materials to accumulate electrostatic charges upon the removal of the release paper is greatly reduced .