Google-Motorola merger approved by the EU Commission
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While there are no true concessions required, it would be premature to say that approval came with no strings attach. The Commission made a strict warning that it would be watching all players in the mobile space, as it has grown concerned over “the increasingly strategic use of patents.”
Nor did the EU Commission stop at a general warning; the official press release contains an entire section of FRAND law concerns, citing the explicit laws and expectations of FRAND patent holders. Not only does Motorola Mobility own many FRAND patents, they are currently using some in their ongoing legal dispute with Apple. Samsung, who has been even more aggressive with FRAND patents, recently found themselves on the wrong end of an investigation into anti-competitive practices in Europe.
The U.S. Department of Justice is expected to also approve the merger this week, leaving China, Israel, and Taiwan to approve the deal before it can officially close.
source: Europa; Google via The Verge
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13 Comments
2. andro. posted on 13 Feb 2012, 13:39 0 0
Great news for open source free platforms like android and self aware,free thinking people everywhere.
3. Jphones posted on 13 Feb 2012, 13:49 1 0
Hell yeah now will hopefully be seeing more stock android devices and maybe even a better skin overlay.
4. PimpStrong posted on 13 Feb 2012, 13:54 0 0
"leaving China, Israel, and Taiwan to approve the deal before it can officially close."
I wish they would try to interfere.
8. LoneShaolin posted on 13 Feb 2012, 14:49 1 0
Sounds too much like granola
9. remixfa posted on 13 Feb 2012, 14:50 3 0
(insert evil laughter and fingers tapping each other here) :)
13. droidnator posted on 14 Feb 2012, 01:53 0 0
Oh, snap, mr. Lewis, that comment right hit the spot >:)
10. mercorp posted on 13 Feb 2012, 16:41 0 0
the eu could have stalled the deal to sue google and help pay part of their debts.
11. InspectorGadget80 posted on 13 Feb 2012, 17:13 1 0
Good news. Now I will wait till Motorola makes a MOTOROLA NEXUS PHONE
12. mobileuser posted on 13 Feb 2012, 21:30 0 0
This is good news. I think all smart phone users will welcome that because apple can now no longer sue Google on those stupid patent issues.
