I was sad to read this letter from Luma Labs today. They say one of their competitors has had a patent approved for their camera strap’s sliding connection between the sling and camera. As soon as I read this, I feared it might be my camera strap that is the competitor. Looks like it is; here’s the patent. Luma Labs claim there’s plenty of prior art, such as the US 1885 Carbine sling.
Whether or not the patent is justified, it’s sad to see patents, rather than innovation, used to stifle competition. Luma Labs have discontinued their camera sling, the Luma Loop, for fear of litigation, but have new camera strap designs in the works. I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with in December, and hopefully will be able to replace the camera strap that I’m now going to feel dirty wearing.
