Intel, a US chipmaker, has successfully overturned a 1 billion euro fine imposed by the European Commission for alleged market power abuse in computer chip sales. The European Court of Justice nullified the fine and confirmed previous rulings dismissing some charges of anti-competitive behavior.
However, this is not the final verdict as Intel has filed a new lawsuit seeking a separate 376 million euro fine based on elements of the 2009 judgment. This legal battle, spanning over 20 years, highlights the complexity of EU processes and the challenges posed by competition from the US and China.
The dispute originated when a rival chipmaker filed a complaint with EU authorities in 2004. In 2009, the Commission found that Intel had engaged in anti-competitive practices by offering incentives to computer manufacturers like Dell and HP to exclusively use its CPUs.
Despite previous legal battles, the case continues with the EU reinstating a 376 million euro fine in 2022. Both Intel and the European Commission have indicated that they will carefully assess the latest judgment.
Source: www.theguardian.com
