Microsoft and Nokia hit back at Google over smartphone collusion claims

Redmond giant slams Google's move a "desperate tactic" while Nokia calls complaint "frivolous"

Microsoft and Nokia have slammed Google for its claims the two firms colluded to try and artificially raise the prices of smartphones, calling it a "desperate tactic" from the search giant.

Google said it had filed a complaint with the European Commission (EC) claiming the two firms were creating "patent trolls" through the use of third-party firms to covertly enforce patent prices and so force other firm to raise the cost of their devices

However, in response Microsoft raised the fact that Google itself is under scrutiny for its own tactics in the smartphone market.

"Google is complaining about patents when it won't respond to growing concerns by regulators, elected officials and judges about its abuse of standard-essential patents, and it is complaining about anti-trust in the smartphone industry when it controls more than 95 per cent of mobile search and advertising," they said.

"This seems like a desperate tactic on their part."

Nokia also slammed Google saying that although it had not seen the details of the complaint, it believe it was "frivolous" and a waste of the EC's time. Nokia also made a wry dig at Android over its own IP issues.

"Google's suggestion that Nokia and Microsoft are colluding on [intellectual property rights] is wrong. Both companies have their own IPR portfolios and strategies and operate independently," it said.

"We agree with Google that Android devices have significant IP infringement issues, and would welcome constructive efforts to stop unauthorised use of Nokia intellectual property."

Nokia is currently in the process of taking legal action against HTC and Viewsonic, handset manufacturers that use Android, over numerous patent issues while Microsoft is also embroiled with firm using the operating system.

Microsoft and Nokia are currently in a partnership to push the Windows Phone operating system, with the Finnish firm the only handset manufacturer betting its strategy on the success of the platform.