EU regulators to rule on 'Googlerola' deal next week

Almost six months since the deal was first announced, regulators for the European Union are nearly ready to rule on whether the US$12.5 billion purchase of Motorola Mobility by Google can go ahead.

Authorities have set a deadline of February 13 for their antitrust ruling; a similar review is taking place in the US, although no indication has been given as to when this may be completed.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that Google is working hard to convince authorities it won't abuse the 17,000 patents it will acquire in the deal. The company has reportedly sent letters to standards organisations promising to grant licenses on reasonable terms if the purchase goes ahead.

"Google intends to make clear to the organisations that it would license Motorola's many patents in accordance with so-called FRAND, or fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms," the report reads, citing a person familiar with the matter.

Motorola recently won an injunction on sales of some Apple products in Germany via a patent infringement case, although Apple had the suspension overturned in less than a day.