Federal Trade Commission Closes Google Investigation

On January 3, 2013, the Federal Trade Commission announced the resolution of two pending investigations of Google, Inc.; one relating to several of Google’s practices in its search business, the other relating to the conduct of its Motorola Mobility, Inc. subsidiary in litigation claims of infringement of standards essential patents. After a lengthy and high profile investigation, the FTC closed its investigation of Google’s alleged search bias without taking action while accepting a voluntary commitment from Google addressing its practices in two other areas related to its search business. At the same time, Google agreed to accept a consent order regarding Motorola’s licensing practices relating to standards essential patents.