Great news for Google, their newly purchased Motorola corporation is under investigation by European Union regulators on claims it abused its dominant market position by bringing infringement suits against Microsoft and Apple. The technology giant filed for injunctions hoping to bar their competition from selling products that they say imposed on their patents including iPad, Xbox, and many Windows products.
The dispute revolves around standard essential patents (SEP) which are supposed to be made available at fair prices in order to guarantee healthy competition in the technology markets. By charging hefty royalties on certain patents, Microsoft and Apple claim Motorola violated these guidelines.
The EU commission is investigating the claims to see if indeed Motorola did knowingly violate guidelines revolving around patents used for internet connectivity.
The commission comments on the investigation:
“The Commission will examine whether Motorola’s behaviour amounts to an abuse of a dominant market position.”
Google has just completed their acquisition of Motorola and says they are willing to work with the EU to get the situation resolved in any manner possible. We’ll have to wait and see what the commission decides. New information seems to come out almost everyday. Hopefully there will be resolve soon.