EU: Google still has plenty of antitrust hurdles to clear

Even as European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia has approved of Google’s concessions to end a three-year-long competition investigation, reports say Google still faces a slew of other antitrust concerns from the Commission.

European Commissioners have voiced opposition and skepticism over Almunia’s decision to accept Google’s third offer, after the previous two were rejected following market tests. The concessions look to appease competition concerns over the way Google displays rivals’ search results.

As that case drags on in its final stages, Google also has another competition case on its hands stemming from Motorola Mobility, a former Google subsidiary.

Reports say Motorola Mobility as been under watch by the Commission since April 2012 for its patents, many of which Google still owns. Motorola is accused of anti-competitively suing rival Apple over patent infringement for essential mobile technology.

Almunia said a decision in the case will be made in the next month or two.

What’s more, Google faces the threat of yet another investigation into its Android mobile system, the market dominator in the EU.

Rivals have reportedly filed complaints with the Commission accusing Google of abusing its dominant position by imposing anticompetitive business practices on smartphone manufacturers to pin them against rivals.

Reports say Almunia is also eying various other issues, including copyright, data protection, net neutrality and business partnerships with newspaper publishers.

Full Content: EurActiv

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