Yeah, five years later we still don't have a newer example of this deal, because Google is so secretive about how they control OEMs. They're under investigation for the behavior pretty much worldwide right now, but if you want to keep your head buried in the sand in the face of documents entered into official evidence in a court of law because it doesn't suit your narrative, go right ahead.
"Company shall not Launch any Device incorporating the Google Applications until it has obtained Google's approval as set forth in (a), (b), and (c) below.", see section 4.3
OEMs can't release an open source only Android distribution. WRONG Google must approve any OEM Android phone. WRONG Samsung can't produce a forked version of AOSP. WRONG
Your only proof about any of this is quoting a clause about Google apps? LOL Yes, OEMs can only use Play services if they include certain Google apps and they need to be presented in a certain way. I already said that many comments ago. The agreement stops say Samsung from using Google Maps but naming the icon Dumbfuck Maps. Google only approves the implementation of their apps NOT the phone.
Dude, go home. You don't know what you are talking about.
You can ship a phone running AOSP without any further agreement with Google.
You cannot ship an "Android" phone. "Android" is a trademark of Google and you can only use it with permission. Moreover, you cannot ship a phone that includes the Play Store or Google apps, nor one compatible with the increasing array of apps that require Play Services, unless you make an agreement with Google.
If you take away the name and ecosystem, you've lost the vast majority of the value of Android. Users will see your phone as if it is running its own, incompatible operating system. Why would they buy this? Why not buy a Windows phone instead?
Case in point: Amazon tried making a phone based on AOSP -- the Fire phone. They made their own apps, their own app store, etc. It was a flop. They gave up. If Amazon can't make it work, why would anyone else expect they can?
So, to realistically sell an Android phone, you have to make an agreement with Google. And that's how they keep control.
"Company shall not Launch any Device incorporating the Google Applications until it has obtained Google's approval as set forth in (a), (b), and (c) below.", see section 4.3