Tag: antitrust laws

      FTC Commends Schmidt For Stepping Down

      August 3, 2009 /

      The FTC HQ.We reported earlier today that Eric Schmidt officially stepped down from his position on Apple’s Board. Now the FTC, which has been investigating Google and Apple for competition issues, has issued a statement commending Schmidt for his decision.

      Bureau of Competition Director Richard Feinstein had this to say: “We have been investigating the Google/Apple interlocking directorates issue for some time and commend them for recognizing that sharing directors raises competitive issues, as Google and Apple increasingly compete with each other. We will continue to investigate remaining interlocking directorates between the companies.”

      Sounds like the FTC got their wish when Schmidt stepped down. My guess is we won’t hear much more from them on this.

      The FCC is another matter entirely. They’re the folks investigating the Google Voice snafu, which promises some sort of fireworks. Apple’s got itself in a fairly sloppy situation by blocking GV Mobile, which provides access to services people would find useful on the phone. Keep your eyes peeled on this one.

      Apple, Mobile, News

      Eric Schmidt Resigns From Apple’s Board

      August 3, 2009 /

      Google CEO Eric Schmidt.Eric Schmidt stepped down from his position on Apple’s board today, amidst scrunity about the two companies’ internal dealings. In early July Schmidt said he would reconsider his position in light of the announcement of Google Chrome OS, which will directly compete in another Apple market.

      In a statement today, Apple CEO Steve Jobs had this to say:

      Unfortunately, as Google enters more of Apple’s core businesses, with Android and now Chrome OS, Eric’s effectiveness as an Apple Board member will be significantly diminished, since he will have to recuse himself from even larger portions of our meetings due to potential conflicts of interest.

      Jobs also said now was “the right time” for Schmidt to take his leave.

      Google’s CEO had some very polite words concerning his time at Apple. “I have very much enjoyed my time on the Apple Board,” he said. “It’s a fantastic company. But as Apple explained today, we’ve agreed it makes sense for me to step down now.”

      It’s always hard to watch a breakup, but even more difficult when it’s two parties who you thought were so good together. Maybe now Schmidt will feel like he has the freedom to push Apple to allow more of his apps on the iPhone. I would like that very much.

      Apple, iPhone, News

      Eric Schmidt to Reconsider His Role on Apple’s Board

      July 10, 2009 /

      Eric Schmidt.After unveiling Chrome OS this week, Google CEO Eric Schmidt said he will consider recusing himself from Apple’s board. The Chrome OS launch adds another dimension to the areas in which Apple and Google compete with one another.

      In speaking to reporters at the Allen & Co. conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, Schmidt said, “I’ll talk to the Apple people. At the moment, there’s no issue.” Schmidt has already been taking leave from any Apple board meeting in which the iPhone was a hot topic. Obviously Google competes directly with the iPhone with their Android operating system.

      Under federal law, no person can sit on the two board of two companies if it decreases competition between them. Schmidt’s been trying to avoid these kind of questions by opting out of certain meetings, but you kinda have to wonder what goes on behind closed doors. It’s not any kind of surprise that the FTC is curious, too.

      Like Schmidt said, though, for now there’s nothing to worry about. I guess we’ll have to see what happens in the coming months for both Apple and Google.

      Apple, Computers, iPhone, News

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