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U.S. FTC closes case against Google [Cihan News Agency (Turkey)](Cihan News Agency (Turkey) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) WASHINGTON (CIHAN)- The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has decided to close its case against search giant Google Inc following the latter's decision to make voluntary changes. The FTC in a statement stated, "Google Inc. has agreed to change some of its business practices to resolve Federal Trade Commission concerns that those practices could stifle competition in the markets for popular devices such as smart phones, tablets and gaming consoles, as well as the market for online search advertising." Google has agreed it will now allow other electronics manufacturers access to its patents under the Motorola Mobility Inc subsidiary it acquired back in June 2012 for $12.5 billion. Google has agreed to license standard-essential patents (SEP) Motorola owns on terms that are fair, reasonable and non discriminatory (FRAND). "Google has agreed to give online advertisers more flexibility to simultaneously manage ad campaigns on Google's AdWords platform and on rival ad platforms; and to refrain from misappropriating online content from so-called "vertical" websites that focus on specific categories such as shopping or travel for use in its own vertical offerings," FTC said in a statement. Google was previously accused of amending its search algorithms so as to create a 'search bias.' The FTC has however closed the case after Google agreed to make changes to its search algorithms which would eliminate such bias. "The changes Google has agreed to make will ensure that consumers continue to reap the benefits of competition in the online marketplace and in the market for innovative wireless devices they enjoy," said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz. "This was an incredibly thorough and careful investigation by the Commission, and the outcome is a strong and enforceable set of agreements." "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," Leibowitz added. "This decision strengthens the standard-setting process that is at the heart of innovation in today's technology markets." CIHAN (c) 2012 Cihan News Agency. All right reserved. Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company |