In Battle with Apple, Google Loses Preliminary Antitrust Ruling in Europe

The European Commission found that when it tried to block a key Apple patent in Germany, Google’s Motorola Mobility unit may have violated European antitrust rules. The preliminary finding is “part of the Commission’s battle to ensure that powerful companies with large patent portfolios do not block other companies from using technologies that are vital for smartphones and tablet computers,” according to a New York Times article, and it could lead to formal antitrust charges.