E.C. Fines Intel $1.45 Billion, Intel Denies Wrongdoing
By Anna Johnson on May 14th, 2009The European Commission has ordered giant chip-maker Intel Corporation to pay €1.06 billion (USD $1.45 billion) in fines, based on its finding that Intel engaged in anti-competitive conduct.
The E.C. found that Intel abused its market dominance to exclude its main competitor AMD by paying computer manufacturers and retailers not to use or sell AMD’s products.
The E.C. has ordered Intel to stop its exclusionary practices and will monitor Intel’s compliance with the decision. The finding follows an E.U. investigation into Intel in 2001 after AMD complained to E.U. regulators the year before.
Intel’s president and CEO Paul Otellini issued a statement saying that the decision was wrong and ignored the reality of the microprocessor marketplace. Intel plans to appeal the decision.
