Google faces S Korea antitrust complaint

(Financial Times) By Song Jung-a

South Korea’s top internet providers have launched an antitrust complaint against Google, alleging that the US group is stifling competition in the domestic mobile search market.

NHN, which runs Naver, the country’s leading search engine, and Daum Communications filed a petition with the country’s Fair Trade Commission on Friday, asking the antitrust watchdog to look into Google’s business practices in Korea.

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EC "Guidelines on the applicability of Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to horizontal co-operation agreements"

These guidelines set out the principles  for the assessment under Article 101 of the TFEU ("Article 101") of agreements between undertakings, decisions by associations of undertakings and concerted practices (collectively referred to as "agreements") pertaining to horizontal co-operation between competitors. In addition, these guidelines also cover horizontal co-operation agreements between non-competitors, for example, between two companies active in the same product markets but in different geographic markets without being potential competitors. 

Click here to read the guidelines.

EC opens formal probe into Google's search, advertising services

The European Commission has decided to open an antitrust investigation into allegations that Google Inc. has abused a dominant position in online search, in violation of European Union rules (Article 102 TFEU). The opening of formal proceedings follows complaints by search service providers about unfavourable treatment of their services in Google's unpaid and sponsored search results coupled with an alleged preferential placement of Google's own services. This initiation of proceedings does not imply that the Commission has proof of any infringements. It only signifies that the Commission will conduct an in-depth investigation of the case as a matter of priority.

Click here to read the EC press release.

OFT launches Domestic Electrical Goods review

The OFT today launched a review of competition regulation for the sale of Domestic Electrical goods and sought views on a possible market study into warranties and repairs in the sector.

It plans to focus its work on 'white' goods such as washing machines and fridges, and 'brown' goods like TVs, but not 'grey' goods such as computers.

The OFT would appreciate it if parties could provide their comments by 12 January 2011 so that it has sufficient time to consider their responses. Responses may be emailed to degs@oft.gsi.gov.uk.

Click here to read the press release.

Click here to read the complete Invitation to Comment

AT&T Mobility Settlement: FAQ

This is a case that relates to AT&T Mobility's practice of charging customers for taxes, fees and surcharges on internet access through certain services. These services include iPhone data plans, Blackberry data plans, other smart phone data plans, laptop connect cards and pay-per-use data services. The lawsuit alleges that these practices are not permitted under the Internet Tax Freedom Act, 47 U.S.C. § 151 (1998) (as amended) and other state laws. As a result, the lawsuit claims that AT&T Mobility is liable for damages to the Class. There is a proposal to settle the entire lawsuit.

Click here to read AT&T's settlement FAQs.