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EU: Commission announces ruling for Microsoft, Nokia deal

By  |  December 4, 2013

The European Commission followed US authorities in its clearance of the $7.4 billion buyout of Nokia’s handset operations by Microsoft, though warned Wednesday that it would monitor Nokia’s licensing practices.

Nokia recently won a lawsuit in the UK against HTC over HTC’s use of a Nokia patent, resulting in a product ban of the HTC One mini.

In an emailed statement, the Commission said it would “remain vigilant and closely monitor Nokia’s post-merger licensing practices under EU against rules.”

Microsoft’s buyout includes the handset business as well as an extensive patent portfolio.

While Nokia just won its case against HTC, both Nokia and Microsoft are under fire in the EU from Google for their use of patents to allegedly harm competition.

Full Content: Bloomberg

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