The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has reportedly concluded an antitrust investigation into Google's bid for a collection of wireless-related patents from Canadian telecommunications-equipment maker Nortel. The DoJ approved the bid, while talks with Research in Motion (RIM) and Apple over their potential bids remain ongoing.
According to a report published in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Google has been given the go-ahead on its $900 million starting bid in an auction of over 6,000 patents from Nortel.
Earlier this month, the WSJ reported that the DoJ had not found any 'major competitive' issues with Google. The department is reportedly worried about RIM or Apple winning the auction because both have a reputation for being aggressive with intellectual property.
The auction is scheduled for June 20, with Google's 'stalking horse' bid to serve as the opening amount. The patent trove contains key components of the fourth-generation Long Term Evolution wireless technology.
Earlier this week, Microsoft, Verizon and AT&T filed objections to the sale. The companies claimed that the sale would affect essential technologies and provide the winner with an unfair advantage over its competitors. Nokia and HP have also filed objections.
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