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Google Appeases FTC By Agreeing to New Patent Behaviors

Jan 3, 2013, 1:26 PM by Eric M. Zeman

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission today announced that it has settled its ongoing investigation of Google's potentially anti-competitive business practices. In order to settle the investigation, Google has agreed to alter its behavior on a number of fronts. First, it has agreed to cease seeking bans on devices that may infringe its standard essential patents. Second, it has agreed to adhere to the FRAND (fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory) licensing practices expected of standard essential patents. "We are especially glad to see that Google will live up to its commitments to license its standard-essential patents, which will ensure that companies willing to license these patents can compete in the market for wireless devices," said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz. "This decision strengthens the standard-setting process that is at the heart of innovation in today’s technology markets." Third, Google has agreed to give online advertisers more control over their AdWords advertising campaigns. As far as Google's search practices are concerned, the FTC decided that Google is not favoring its own products and services, as some competitors alleged. Instead, the FTC believes Google's Universal Search "could be plausibly justified as innovations that improved Google’s product and the experience of its users." The FTC has closed its investigation of Google.

May 20, 2021
T-Mobile today announced out new small business plans called Business Unlimited. The three new options offer a better value than the existing Magenta for Business plans in several ways.

Apple Makes Major App Store Concession on Media Subscriptions

Sep 1, 2021
Starting early next year, Apple will allow media player apps like Spotify and Netflix to direct new users to subscribe via their own web sites and third-party payment systems. Previously, Apple required such apps to use Apple's payment system, where Apples takes a cut of up to 30%.

Apple Must Allow Apps To Steer Customers to Alternative Payment Methods, Rules Federal Judge

Sep 10, 2021
A US Federal Judge has ruled that Apple must allow app developers to "steer" customers away from Apple's App Store payment service, which collects a fee of up to 30%. The ruling was part of Fortnite maker Epic Games' lawsuit against Apple for anti-competitive behavior.

Apple Sues NSO Group for Spyware Targeting iPhones

Nov 24, 2021
Apple today filed a lawsuit against NSO Group to "hold it accountable for the surveillance and targeting of Apple users." Apple is also seeking a permanent injunction to ban NSO Group, an Israeli company, from using any Apple software, services, or devices.

FTC Sues to Stop Nvidia's Acquisition of Arm

Dec 2, 2021
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking action to block the proposed acquisition of Arm by Nvidia. Arm designs chip architectures used throughout mobile and computing industries.

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Vmac39

Jan 3, 2013, 8:14 PM

Really?

I wonder if this means that they will actually develope apps for WP8, now. This would be nice for those who like to use Google products like, Google Chat, Voice and Email, but still would like to consider WP8 as an option to Android or iPhone. It would be only fair, considering Microsoft developes apps for both. But, that's another issue.

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