Google-Apple boards of directors no longer linked

The last remaining tie between the boards of directors at Google and Apple has been severed with the resignation of Arthur Levinson.

In a statement (Techmeme), Google said Levinson, Chairman Genentech, will resign from the search giant's board effective immediately. Why is that important?

The Federal Trade Commission had been examining interlocking boards between Apple and Google. When Google CEO Eric Schmidt resigned from Apple's board it removed half of what got the FTC interested in the first place. Indeed, the FTC remained interested in the interlocking Google-Apple boards. Levinson used to be on both the Apple board and Google's.

Now it appears that Levinson will only be on Apple's board. Levinson served on Google's board since 2004.

Also: It's official: Google and Apple are competitors (especially in mobile)