New York AG files antitrust charges against Intel; alleges bribery, coercionZDNET
Posted by Sam Diaz @ 9:11 am
The New York Attorney General’s office today accused chip maker Intel of engaging in “a worldwide, systematic campaign of illegal conduct,” including paying kickbacks and threatening computer makers, and filed federal antitrust charges against it. (PDF of Complaint)
In a statement, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said that e-mails revealed that Intel has scored exclusive agreements with computer makers to use its microprocessors by resorting to “rebates” and threats, such as cutting off payments, funding a competitor or ending joint development ventures. In a press release, Cuomo said:
Rather than compete fairly, Intel used bribery and coercion to maintain a stranglehold on the market. Intel’s actions not only unfairly restricted potential competitors, but also hurt average consumers who were robbed of better products and lower prices. These illegal tactics must stop and competition must be restored to this vital marketplace.
Intel spokesman Chuck Molloy told the Wall Street Journal that the company will defend itself against the charges and that “Neither consumers who have consistently benefited from lower prices and increased innovation, nor Justice, are being served by the decision to file a case now.”