BU Now » FTC

Google/AdMob deal okayed

Dick Taffe — Fri, 21 May 2010 22:11:33 +0000

Despite concerns that Google could extend its Internet marketing dominance into the emerging field of wireless devices, federal regulators approved the company’s $750 million purchase of its mobile advertising rival AdMob. Law Professor Keith Hylton, an authority on antitrust law, said it looks like the right decision given rapid changes in the market such as rival Apple buying the third largest mobile ad network, Quattro Wireless. Besides, he said, Google doesn’t seemed worried about antitrust threats from the Obama administration.

“[Google] appears to have the administration working diligently on its side on the net neutrality issue, and that is probably worth a lot more than these relatively minor antitrust issues.”

Contact Keith Hylton, 617-353-8959, knhylton@bu.edu

FTC sniffing Google-AdMob deal

Dick Taffe — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:06:33 +0000

The Federal Trade Commission is reportedly preparing an antitrust challenge to Google’s proposed acquisition of the mobile-advertising company AdMob, and asked AdMob competitors about what the deal would mean for consumers. Law Professor Keith Hylton, an authority on antitrust law, says be weary of what the competitors say — even in sworn statements.

“If the FTC asks AdMob’s competitors what they think about an acquisition that might give the firm a competitive advantage by enhancing the efficiency of its service, what will they say? My guess is that they will say that the acquisition is bad for consumers.”

Contact Keith Hylton, 617-353-8959, knhylton@bu.edu

Intel settles antitrust case with AMD

Dick Taffe — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:13:56 +0000

Intel, the world’s largest maker of computer processors, will pay $1.25 billion to its biggest competitor, Advanced Micro Devices, to settle all antitrust and patent suits. School of Management Professor Michael Salinger, a former director of the Federal Trade Commission (which also is investigating Intel), applauds the settlement.

“It’s a substantial settlement, which represents an acknowledgment by Intel that they were at serious risk of a finding against them.”

Contact Michael Salinger, 617-353-4408, salinger@bu.edu

FTC aims at “robo-call” for car warranties

Dick Taffe — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:09:54 +0000

Federal regulators soon will file suit against companies behind a national wave of spam “robo-calls” warning that auto warranties are expiring and offering new service plans. School of Management Professor Michael Salinger, a former Federal Trade Commission official, can discuss how the FTC investigates then goes after such scams.

Contact Michael Salinger, 617-353-4408, salinger@bu.edu