According to a Bloomberg news agency report, citing unidentified sources, investigations are currently underway by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) into whether Google’s Motorola Mobility division is improperly blocking competitors from use of industry-standard technology which – as per traditional industry and legal practice - should be licensed to them.

Revealing that FTC is probing Google over Motorola patents, the report said that the Commission has issued “a civil investigative demand, which is similar to a subpoena" to the Internet search company. In addition, information is also being sought by the government from Google’s closest rivals, including Microsoft and Apple.

The issue largely pertains to the so-called FRAND patents - fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory" – which cover technology that is central to the smooth functioning of an industry.

While it is somewhat of a quid pro quo arrangement under which companies developing technology that is adopted by the industry as a ‘standard’ consent to the licensing of that technology at a fair rate, Google and Motorola Mobility have of late been criticized by their rivals for their unwillingness to adhere to the industry rules.

In fact, as per the latest Bloomberg report, the FTC probe is also looking at Google's decision to continue Motorola lawsuits which involve FRAND patents, even though it had promised a fair licensing of Motorola’s patents after closing the acquisition of the company earlier this year.