Looks like one more hurdle is out of the way for Google to challenge Apple in the wireless world.  The European Union allowed the deal to pass, but warned against excessive fees charged for licensing technology.  The addition of Motorola’s portfolio of patents would provide the search engine giant a strong defense against infringement claims on its Android operating system.

From WSJ:

“The European Union on Monday approved Google Inc.’s $12.5 billion acquisition of smartphone and tablet developer Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc., setting the stage for U.S. antitrust clearance expected this week.  The deal will give Google a powerful arsenal of patents to use in the increasing number of courtroom battles worldwide over the hotly-contested smartphone market.  But the EU’s clearance also came with a stern warning that companies should stop using certain types of patents to sue each other.”

via EU Clears Google’s Motorola Buy – WSJ.com.