European Commission Sends Statement Of Objections To Google Regarding Android

On 20 April 2016, the European Commission confirmed it issued a Statement of Objections ("SO") to Google concerning the imposition of restrictions on Android device manufacturers and mobile network operators.  The investigation was formally opened in April 2015 (see VBB on Competition Law, Volume 2015, No 4, available at www.vbb.com).  Google now has until July 2016 to formally respond to the Commission's concerns.

Based on the press release, the Commission's preliminary view is that Google abused its dominance in the markets for (i) general internet search services, (ii) licensable smart mobile operating systems, and (iii) app stores for the Android mobile operating system. 

The Commission's concerns are based on a finding that Google's Android business model pursues an anticompetitive strategy of protecting and expanding its dominant position in internet search.  As Commissioner Vestager explained in a statement, Google's Android business model "denies consumers