Google cleared of search engine manipulation

[Just17]

The FTC's 19-month investigation into allegations of search engine bias and manipulation has ended with a unanimous decision that Google did not perform antitrust practices, a decision that clears Google of allegations from competitors like Microsoft that the company was biasing its search engine results and therefore was anticompetitive.

http://readwrite.com/2013/01/03/google-escapes-unscathed-from-ftc-settlement

After a 19-month investigation and despite much prodding from Microsoft, the Federal Trade Commission has reached a settlement with Google that basically amounts to a slap on the wrist.

http://readwrite.com/2013/01/03/googles-ftc-settlement-is-an-epic-fail-for-microsoft




Probably the most interesting part ......

The FTC also directed Google to return to Fair, Reasonable and Non-Discriminatory (FRAND) practices for patents the search engine giant inherited when it purchased Motorola. Prior to the acquisition by Google, Motorola had initially released certain patents under FRAND terms so industry standards could be coordinated, then began to reverse those terms, seeking injunctions against competitors. Google continued those fights after buying Motorola, but the FTC said enough is enough.

Google's settlement with the Commission requires that Google abandon their claims for relief on any essential patents with a FRAND commitment," Leibowitz said. "Google must offer a license on FRAND terms to any company that wants to license these patents in the future."

[joechimp]

Wonder how much it cost Google to get that verdict?

[Just17]

Wonder how much it cost Google to get that verdict?

Probably a lot less than it cost MS to try to get a worse verdict for Google