OneBrightGator:
Yes, but Dive Rite, OMS, Abysmal and Oxycheq are direct competition for Halcyon (backplates, double and single tank wings and lights in DR and OMS's case), Aqua Lung and the like aren't, not to mention Apeks seem to be the choice regs.
Not only that, but if you read the patents it appears to cover only weight integration with fastex clip releases (unless I've missed something)
Now, among those served, find those that do not make such a device.
If you find any such examples, decide if it is reasonable to conclude that this is an attempt to drive competitors from the market, rather than legitimately enforce a patent.
Also, FWIW, perjuring yourself by filing a patent application without listing all known prior art (which you are required to do) is also a problem of ethics at minimum.
There is a relatively simple change that could be made to patent law to fix this kind of abuse - if your patent is thrown out due to undisclosed prior art, you are responsible for all costs incurred by those who you tried to enjoin as a matter of statute (that is, its not a matter of discretion); you should already be held responsible for suing someone for patent infringement that doesn't even manufacture the device you claim is bring infringed (but to the extent that such sanctions are discretionary, they need to be made mandatory)
That would make frivolous patent games EXTREMELY dangerous to play.
Until those changes are made in the law the only reasonable response to people pulling this kind of thing is to boycott their products and services.
BTW, Cronin "got his" for his frivolous suit against Diverlink. Not only did they get popped for fees and costs under California's Anti-SLAPP statute, but Cronin himself personally expired shortly thereafter.
During the time this was pending and up until justice was done, I indeed did boycott PADI.
