European regulators cleared the way for Google to buy Motorola Mobility, but warned the Internet search giant that it would monitor the $12.5-billion acquisition for antitrust violations.
Google, which said it intended to buy Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion in August, still needs government approval in the U.S. China, Taiwan and Israel.
Google called the decision an "important milestone."
The U.S. Department of Justice, which is reviewing the acquisition, is expected to approve the deal soon.
Google is looking to Motorola’s more than 17,000 patents to help shield it in the escalating patent battles surrounding its Android operating system. Google has pledged to license Motorola patents if the deal is approved.
There is growing concern in Washington and Brussels that patent holders are increasingly using their portfolios as bludgeons to stop other companies from using smartphone technology.Read more in LA times
