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Google lodges Nokia, Microsoft complaint with EU

Google lodges Nokia, Microsoft complaint with EU

By Reuters | Updated: 5 June 2012 19:04 IST

Highlights

Google alleges collusion between Nokia and Microsoft in order to increase prices for smartphones and tablets.

US Internet giant Google said Monday it has lodged a complaint with European Union competition authorities against Finland's Nokia and its US software peer Microsoft.

The complaint, lodged last week in line with action in the United States, alleges collusion between Nokia and Microsoft in order to increase prices for smartphones and tablets.

"Nokia and Microsoft are colluding to raise the costs of mobile devices for consumers, creating patent 'trolls' that side-step promises both companies have made," a Google statement said.

"They should be held accountable and we hope our complaint spurs others to look into these practices."

Google charged a Canadian company, Mosaid, with being behind some 2,000 "patent trolls" -- legal complaints that are so costly to defend against that they often succeed in preventing change on markets.

This type of tactic is particularly prevalent in the pharmaceuticals industry where development costs for new treatments can be enormous.

Earlier this month, EU anti-trust chiefs asked Google to offer remedies quickly to concerns that the company has abused its dominant position in the Internet search market -- or else face heavy penalties.

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