Ftc

FTC may sue Google over antitrust violations stemming from FRAND patent abuse

By Joseph Keller, Thursday, Nov 1, 2012 a 8:29 pm

The staff of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recommended to the commission that Google should be sued for violation of antitrust laws regarding patents. Google is attempting to block import of products from both Apple and Microsoft, which rely on industry-standard technology, and the FTC may be inclined to sue Google in order to get them to offer reasonable licensing deals. Google’s efforts are actually a continuation of those of Motorola Mobility, purchased by Google late last year. One of the key factors in Google’s decision to buy the company was their portfolio of patents, many of which cover industry-standard technology such as 3G wireless and video streaming. The FTC investigation revolves around questions of licensing.

Apple subpoenaed by the FTC in Google antitrust probe

By Rene Ritchie, Tuesday, Mar 13, 2012 a 3:30 pm

The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has subpoenaed Apple to testify in their ongoing antitrust investigation again Google. Specifically, they're interested in the deal Google made to be the default search engine on the iPhone. Since Google enjoys an incredibly dominant market position in search, the government wants to find out if they're abusing that position to unfairly keep out competitors.

FTC investigating Smurfberries, other in-app purchases

By Leanna Lofte, Wednesday, Feb 23, 2011 a 9:14 am

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has said they will be investigating in-app purchases for applications marketed to children, such as Smurfs' Village. The argument is that some children do not understand the difference between real and virtual purchases.

In a letter to Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz wrote:

We fully share your concern that consumers, particularly children, are unlikely to understand the ramifications of these types of purchases. Let me assure you we will look closely at the current industry practice with respect to the marketing and delivery of these types of applications.

Investigating Apple

By Rene Ritchie, Sunday, Feb 20, 2011 a 10:55 pm

Adobe complaint behind possible DOJ/FTC inquiry into Apple?

By Rene Ritchie, Wednesday, May 5, 2010 a 10:28 am

Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission jostling over inquiry into Apple restriction on cross-compilers

By Rene Ritchie, Monday, May 3, 2010 a 7:27 am

Citing the usual "people familiar with the matter", the New York Post claims the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commissions are negotiating over which one of their organizations will inquire into Apple's new iPhone OS 4 SDK section 3.3.1 -- the restriction against cross-compilers in general and Adobe's Flash CS5 Packager for iPhone in specific.

FTC Investigating Apple and Google Antitrust Issues

By Rene Ritchie, Tuesday, May 5, 2009 a 9:33 am

The New York Times (via Daring Fireball) reports that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is looking into whether the ties between Apple and Google's respective Boards of Directors violate Section 8 of the Clayton Antitrust Act.