The European Commission (EC) opens investigations on whether Samsung is breaking EU antitrust regulations by refusing to fairly license essential patents relating to the 3G standard.

Samsung is currently accusing rivals of infringing its 3G-related patents, and is undergoing in legal battles against Apple across 10 countries (including France, the US, Australia and Japan).

In 2011 Samsung sought injunctions against competitors in a number of EU countries, alleging infringement of certain patent rights declared essential to European telephony standards.

Now the EC is investigating whether Samsung is breaking a 1998 commitment with the European Telecommunications Standard Institute (ETSI) to license essential 3G-related patents on a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) basis.

The investigation follows a 2011 request from EU antitrust chief Joaquin Almunia.

The EC is able to fine companies up to 10% of global turnover it it finds them in breach of EU competition rules.

Go Antitrust: European Commission Opens Proceedings Against Samsung