Intel antitrust case in NY

New York has officially begun an investigation into Intel antitrust allegations, Reuters reports. The state's attorney general, Andrew Cuomo, says his office has subpoenaed Intel for a variety of information, following preliminary indications that Intel may have forced companies to exclude rival chipmaker AMD from the CPU market. "Our investigation is focused on determining whether Intel has improperly used monopoly power to exclude competitors or stifle innovation," says Cuomo. "We will also look at whether Intel abused its power to remove competitive threats or harm competition in violation of New York and federal antitrust laws."

AMD has for some length had the help of New York politicians in pushing for action, accusing Intel of giving rebates to system builders who go Intel-only. It specifically wanted the involvement of the Federal Trade Commission, but at the time, at least, the FTC refused to to say whether it was examining Intel's behavior.

Intel continues to face legal challenges from the European Commission on the same matter. In addition to rebates, the Commission has charged Intel with selling some products below cost, giving AMD no reasonable means of competing.

By Electronista Staff