The U.S. Department of Justice on Monday gave its okay to Google’s US$12.5 billion Motorola Mobility acquisition, stating that the search engine giant is “unlikely to materially alter” Motorola’s competitive position, according to AppleInsider.
However, the DOJ did point out some concerns about Google’s commitment FRAND (Fair, Reasonable and Non-Discriminatory) licensing. The agency said in its announcement that Google “does not directly provide the same assurance as [Apple’s and Microsoft’s] statements concerning the exercise of its newly acquired patent rights.”
AppleInsider noted that the DOJ will allow Google to acquire Motorola’s patents but will monitor their use in the wireless device industry.
The European Union has already approved the acquisition, but it shared similar concerns with the DOJ, which said it “cooperated closely” with the European Commission during its investigation.
Google’s acquisition of Motorola was first announced last August. At the time, the search engine giant said: “Our acquisition of Motorola will increase competition by strengthening Google’s patent portfolio, which will enable us to better protect Android from anti-competitive threats from Microsoft, Apple and other companies.”