The European Commission today found Intel guilty of abusing its dominant position in the global x86 microprocessor markets and fined Intel a record EUR 1.06 billion (US $1.45 billion).

The EC decision stated specifically that:

• "Intel gave wholly or partially hidden rebates to computer manufacturers on condition that they bought all, or almost all, their x86 CPUs from Intel".
• "Intel made payments to major retailer Media Saturn Holding from October 2002 to December 2007 on condition that it exclusively sold Intel-based PCs in all countries in which Media Saturn Holding is active."
• Intel "interfered directly in the relations between computer manufacturers and AMD. Intel awarded computer manufacturers payments – unrelated to any particular purchases from Intel – on condition that these computer manufacturers postponed or cancelled the launch of specific AMD-based products."
• Intel has so far failed to convince any antitrust enforcement agency that its business practices are lawful and pro-consumer

From AMD PR.

Asked By: Amit Agarwal [41 ]