Google's $12.5 billion purchase of Motorola has not only been approved by the European Commission, but the United States Department of Justice. Google is now edging closer to the deal being completely approved, but they're still waiting on approval of China, Taiwan and Israel, before the transaction can officially be completed.

The DoJ's Anti-trust Division, who conducted the investigation, said the purchase was "not likely to significantly change existing market dynamics" or "substantially lessen competition". Of course, there are still concerns and they will have eyes on them to make sure they don't abuse patents, like other companies do. Reuters have reported that the DoJ "would not hesitate to take enforcement action", if Google were to manipulate the licensing of standard essential patents to their own advantage.

What does this mean for the great David vs. Goliath, Apple vs. Google fight? Well, it could get interesting from here on out, that's for sure. Motorola hold some fairly important patents, and Google wouldn't even need to stretch those much to put a clamp down on Apple's constant e-peen patent trolling. Apple have enjoyed some patent trolling, slide to unlock, injunction against Galaxy Nexus, and more.