That’s why (for example) big pharma spends so much on research: not beccause they want to find new cures, or better ones, but because they are losing their monopoly on the old ones, and need to find something else that no-one else can sell without buying a licence from them.

I think the premise that people wouldn’t be making these things if there wasn’t exclusivity is BS.  Patent life should be tied to the R&D investment in the product, and contingent on you actually making the product.

Patents allow for public discussion of the ideas, and Luma Labs have already decided to sell no more. Everybody wins!

Sure, I miss manual controls on the lens; but I can shoot RAW format, get thru-the-lens framing, and use manual settings on a camera that fits in my pocket!

It baffles me how many amateur photographers lug DSLRs around with bags full of extra gear.  I can get the same shots, usually.  Embrace the obvious advantage of the digital format:  miniaturization.  You can hold both a baby and a smaller camera, then forget about special straps and patent-trolling altogether.

[sage for off-topic but the post itself switched topics a few times so I don't feel too bad]

I don’t know this space very well but after reading this article I cannot decide between ‘unjust’ and ‘premature hyperbole’.

Personally, I’m a strong believer in that everyone should use the gear that helps them to be their most effective when they are out in the field. Everything you buy and use should be in the service of making images—that’s the most important thing. If you prefer it to any other single point sling (or any other strap for that matter) still on the market, then that’s the one you should get. And I’d tell you that even if the Loop were still for sale. 

Still, my favorite lawyer joke was told to me by a patent lawyer:  “I don’t like to use Laten, per se…”

Nylon Straps, Snap clips, and quick release buckles are cheap and plentiful. If you are a photographer, go make your own!!!

The interesting challenge here is to prevent the blatant knockoffs as mentioned in the second comment while encouraging innovation. It was my understanding that the Luma Loop’s distinguishing characteristics were the pro strap and the push button quick release (vs. the carabiner style Blask Rapid uses).

An over the shoulder strap with a freely gliding attachment seems a bit too general, even if specifically applied to cameras. The stops to restrict some of the motion may or may not be so straightforward.

Maybe Luma Loop needs to market their strap for rifles that have a thin strap attachment point?

The optimist in me thinks Luma is just overreacting to a threat that hasn’t fully materialized yet (no one has filed suit against anybody). They’re just making a decision to discontinue a popular product and telling their customers why. This same part of me thinks BR filed this patent in good faith because they sincerely believe it qualifies (though I disagree with them on that point).

The photographer in me prefers Black Rapid’s straps anyway but is now conflicted about buying one because of IP issues. So score one point for Luma I guess, though I’m not certain that’s a good thing either. One thing about the ability to publicly shame people and companies online (or just talk about them without trying to shame them) is that a lot of shots get fired without asking questions first and people’s emotional response to stories tends to overwhelm their reasoning. I’m second guessing a holiday purchase because a company I know little about filed a patent for a device that may or may not qualify for one and another company I know little about is upset by that. 

I have both kind of strap and I can tell you that theirs is not as good as Luma Labs’.

 I actually just recieved a BlackRapid (BR) Strap for an anniversary present from my wife and did do a double take when I saw the “Patent Pending” Statement on the strap itself, so i’m not entirely surprised to see a situation like this, but couldn’t Luma Just talk to BR (who very obviously got there first) and come up with a licensing deal? This is hardly black market extortion, BR got there first in terms of patents. Period. The total fees to dispute this patent will probably cost way more than Luma is likely to pay BR unless of course they’re greedy bastards (which I doubt). Luma might even be able to get away with a one time fee Paid to BR in an approximate amount of what might get spent in the otherwise ensuing patent lawsuit.  To me anyhow, this article seems like just so much ado about nothing. 

Business is Business. TANSTAAFL

Kind of an awkwardly worded sentence. Regardless, if something existed as far back as 1885, it surprises me that a patent was awarded. Then again, that seems like a common issue.