Google (GOOG) Video Code May Be Getting Illegally Blocked

Free video code from Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) called VP8 may be getting illegally blocked by an industry group, prompting regulators to investigate the legality of the matter.

Google introduced the VP8 format in 2010, an open source video developed by the search giant.

A group called MPEG LA, which has large numbers of video format patents which they collect royalties from on behalf of its members, are being investigated as to legal action they threaten in order to keep the free VP8 code from being used.

The group collects royalties for giant tech companies such as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT).