The US Federal Trade
Commission would do take a wise decision if it sues Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) for
trying to block the access of competitors to crucial smartphone technology
patents in infringement of antitrust law, the agency’s staff told commissioners
in a formal recommendation, as revealed by four people, who are familiar with
the matter.
As per sources, a majority
of the agency’s five commissioners are inclined to take legal action. A final
verdict on the staff recommendation is not likely to be made until 6th
November presidential election.
Google’s attempts to
block US imports of products manufactured by Microsoft and Apple by accusing
them of infringing patents owned by Google’s Motorola Mobility wing are at
considered to be the issue.
A Google spokeswoman,
Niki Fenwick said that the company takes its commitments license on reasonable,
just and non-discriminatory grounds very seriously. The company is open to
answer any question related to the matter. A spokesman for FTC, Peter Kaplan
has refused to comment.
The FTC has opened an official
probe into the matter in the month of June, when it started looking for
information from companies including Apple and Microsoft about whether Google offered
licensing for technology under patents that help run 3G wireless, video
streaming and Wi-Fi on fair and practical terms.
The FTC is also
emphasizing on Google’s decision to continue court case started by Motorola
Mobility over industry-standard patents before Google purchased the company. Those
cases could end up preventing imports of popular consumer products such as
Apple’s iPad and iPhone and Microsoft’s Xbox.
The president of the
American Antitrust Institute in Washington, Bert Foer advocates strong
enforcement of antitrust law. He said that there is a harsh emerging approach
by antitrust regulators who have recognized that the failure to respect typical
essential patent commitments required to be treated much more powerfully than
in the past.
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