Google and Samsung have voiced concern before Chinese regulators that Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia’s phone business could increase licensing fees on Nokia’s patents.
Both the tech companies, joining Chinese firms including Huawei Technologies and ZTE, asked China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) to ensure that the $7.2bn deal would result in increased fees on wireless technology patents owned by the Finnish mobile firm.
In addition to requesting the regulators place conditions on the deal, Google and Samsung expressed concerns about Microsoft gaining more power in the global smartphone market, Bloomberg reported.
Microsoft’s Nokia takeover is yet to be approved by China’s Ministry of Commerce, which is currently conducting an anti-monopoly review, but the deal has already been okayed by the European Union antitrust regulators in December.
Microsoft spokeswoman said: "This merger application is currently under MOFCOM’s review and we have no further comment."
As per the deal, Microsoft is acquiring the Nokia hardware unit, with the Finnish firm having the majority control on most of the wireless patents.
