CASE CLOSED: The Federal Trade Commission settled a 19-month investigation into Google's business practices without requiring the Internet search leader to change the way it ranks websites in its results. Rivals had complained Google Inc. stifles competition by highlighting its own services in its influential search results.

VINDICATION FOR GOOGLE: The resolution announced Thursday is a major victory of Google, which had fiercely defended its right to control the way it presents search results.

KEY CONCESSION: Google will sign a consent decree promising rivals to its Android mobile software will be able to license key patents owned by Google under terms that are "fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory."