DRM is rent seeking through control of digital assets. Patents and IP law manipulation, yes also rent seeking based on ownership of IP assets. Software subscriptions again, no question, that’s renting access to a software asset or service. These all meet the criteria I described.

Designed obsolescence is arguable though. The customer could always buy elsewhere.

Anyway tye case I was replying to is not rent seeking. Leaner businesses may be more fragile, but they are also more profitable and productive. It’s just being paid to do work.