Google CEO to stay on Apple board despite antitrust inquiry

Google CEO Eric Schmidt says he doesn't plan to resign from Apple's board despite a government inquiry into whether the ties between the two companies violate antitrust law.

Schmidt made his remarks in response to questions posed by reporters before Google's annual meeting.

A Google lawyer confirmed recently published reports that the Federal Trade Commission is looking into whether the company's overlapping board relationships with Apple will discourage future competition.

Both Schmidt and former Genentech CEO Arthur Levinson are directors at Google and Apple. The companies compete in mobile phones, web browsers and some internet services such as digital picture management.

Schmidt said he doesn't regard Apple as a "primary competitor."