Bottom line, why would LM or Elektra want to use the same parts as Expobar. What would differentiate them from the rest? Additionally there would be no innovation.

Kurt

Defining a portafilter standard does not exclude anyone from using their own portafilters. It's simply
defining the interface to the group head. It doesn't define the group head, it doesn't define how the
portafilter is made, nor the material, nor the depth, nor the spouts, nor the handle.

And standards do not always kill innovation. In some cases they promote innovation. In many cases
they protect consumers from being shafted when the company goes out of business. Standards
can be used a nasty weapons - OOXML, for instance, or Rambus' agreeing to certain JEDEC standards.
But in many cases, standards benefit everyone - Hypertransport, UL/CS/DIN, JEDEC, etc.

Follow-on discussion split to Why is there no standard for coffee freshness?