Just months after Google CEO, Eric Schmidt resigned from the board of directors of Apple Inc., this time around Google witness the departure of Arthur Levinson, who had been at the post of Director in Apple in the year 2000 and then came to be on the board of directors for Google Inc., in the year 2004.

In past couple of months, the internet search behemoth, Google, that controls 64.6% of the U.S internet market has been under intense scrutiny from various regulators, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) due to its ties with the Apple Board of Directors and vice versa. Regulatory eyes have been scanning Google for discrepancies as both Apple and Google are fierce rivals and yet had interests in the upper echelons of both the companies.

According to Phillip Zane (Antitrust Expert, Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz PC),

“ As a technical matter, if a board member resigns it does not moot the lawsuit. But as a practical matter, that’s the essence of the violation.”

He further stated that, with Mr. Levinson’s resignation, there is a good chance that Google could be vindicated and the investigation initiated by the FTC would thus come to an end.

The entire anti-trust investigation came into effect with the spat between Apple and Google, earlier this month, in regards to Apple’s rejection of inducting Google Voice as an application in its immensely popular Apple iPhone. On the subject Arthur Levinson’s resignation, Google CEO, Eric Schmidt in a statement said,

“Art has been a key part of Google’s success these past five years, offering unvarnished advice and vital counsel on every big issue and opportunity Google has faced. Though he leaves as a member of our Board, Art will always have a special place at Google.”

Via Reuters.