By Tech Daily Dose, May 13, 2009
Microprocessor giant Intel Corp. took a beating by the European Commission on Wednesday as regulators fined the company $1.45 billion for violating antitrust rules by engaging in illegal anticompetitive practices to exclude competitors from the market for computer chips called x86 central processing units. The Commission ordered Intel to cease the illegal practices immediately to the extent that they are still ongoing. The company has vowed to fight the ruling. "We believe the decision is wrong and ignores the reality of a highly competitive microprocessor marketplace -- characterized by constant innovation, improved product performance and lower prices. There has been absolutely zero harm to consumers. Intel will appeal," CEO Paul Otellini said. But EC Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes disagrees. She issued a statement saying Intel has harmed millions of European consumers "by deliberately acting to keep competitors out of the market for computer chips for many years." "Such a serious and sustained violation of the EU's antitrust rules cannot be tolerated," she said. Intel rival AMD cheered the decision, saying it was a critical step toward a truly competitive market. "After an exhaustive investigation, the EU came to one conclusion - Intel broke the law and consumers were hurt," AMD Executive Vice President Tom McCoy said. "With this ruling, the industry will benefit from an end to Intel's monopoly-inflated pricing and European consumers will enjoy greater choice, value and innovation."
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"Intel 0-3 in antitrust: Japan ('05), Korea ('08), EU ('09). US FTC and NY state are investigating"
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