South Korea hits Google with $177 million lawsuit for blocking companies from using other OS

South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission announced its intention Tuesday to file a lawsuit against Google for allegedly preventing smartphone creators such as Samsung and LG from using other operating systems. If it wins, Google will be fined $177 million.

Google has said it plans to challenge the fine, accusing South Korean authorities of ignoring the benefits of the contracts on the consumers and partners. Some of these benefits include “incredible hardware and software innovation,” which “brought enormous success to Korean OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and developers,” a Google spokesperson said in an email to the Washington Examiner.