China: Top rivals fight Microsoft, Nokia deal

Google and Samsung Electronics are reportedly calling on Chinese regulators to monitor patent licensing fees charged by Nokia for wireless technology don’t spike following Microsoft’s planned buyout of the company’s handset operations.

Reports say the US and South Korean firms have joined China-based Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp to bring attention to their concerns regarding the fees and how the merger would affect Microsoft’s market share.

According to reports, the companies are asking Chinese officials to impose concessions on the acquisition.

The nation’s Ministry of Commerce launched a merger review into the deal but is likely to approve of the buyout, reports say, following the EU’s unconditional clearance given last December.

Microsoft plans to acquire Nokia assets, including a major patent portfolio, though some patents will remain with Nokia as the company moves away from the smartphone industry.

Full Content: Reuters

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