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May 5, 2009
FTC Looks Into Google/Apple Ties for Antitrust Concerns
Google is really having a hard time escaping antitrust concerns. Last year, it was the nonexclusive search advertising deal with Yahoo. Last week, it was the nonexclusive book settlement. Now, it's the relationship it has with Apple.
Google CEO Eric Schmidt and former Genetech CEO Arthur Levinson both sit on the boards of Google and Apple. Schmidt has to leave the room when Apple talks iPhone because of Google's competing Android mobile platform.
At issue is Section 8 of the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914, which has a provision against "interlocking directorates." Under the Act, it's only a problem if the two companies in more than 2% of either companies' sales.
Posted by Nathania Johnson on May 5, 2009 12:53 PM
Comments
Apple Development Info May 6, 2009 2:12 AM
Funny how the government is all concerned about anti-trust with Google but seems to care nothing about Google's deceptive and non-transparent privacy practices.
Oh wait. This is the same government that gave immunity to the telecom companies who provided sensitive information to intelligence agencies to help them spy on American citizens.
Nevermind.
Concerned SEO May 6, 2009 6:18 PM
Although I'm not a lawyer and I don't claim to know the law here, but I don't think the relationship between Apple and Google is monopolistic. They compete this one major field that is occupied by many players.