FTC studies cross-relationship between Google and Apple

U.S. investigates rejection of Google Voice

The Federal Trade Commission is assessing whether the sharing of directors on the executive committee between Google and Apple violates competition rules. The news is advanced by the New York Times.

According to the newspaper, Apple and Google share two directors, Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Arthur Levinson. These have been part of Apple’s management since August 2006 and 2000, respectively.

Competition rules in the United States prohibit the presence of the same individual in the management of two rival companies, an inheritance of the Clayton Antitrust Act, 1914.

According to the same source, the FTC has already notified Apple and Google of this alleged violation of competition rules.