Home / Business and Economy / Intel Fined Millions in EU Antitrust Saga
Intel Fined Millions in EU Antitrust Saga
11 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Intel lost its challenge against a €376 million EU fine.
- The fine was reduced to €237.6 million after legal challenges.
- The case involved anticompetitive payments to PC manufacturers.
Intel has been ordered to pay a reduced fine of €237.6 million ($276.6 million) as a result of a protracted antitrust case initiated by the European Commission in 2009. The company’s recent legal challenge failed to overturn the penalty entirely, though it successfully lowered the original €376 million assessment.
The substantial fine stems from Intel's alleged anticompetitive conduct between 2002 and 2006. Specifically, the European Commission found that Intel made 'naked restrictions' by paying major manufacturers like HP, Acer, and Lenovo. These payments were intended to discourage them from producing or delaying products that featured rival AMD processors.
While Intel managed to get a separate €1.06 billion fine for hidden rebates annulled last year, this ruling pertains to the 'naked restrictions' aspect. The legal battle has spanned over a decade, with various court decisions and appeals. Both parties may still appeal the latest judgment to the EU Court of Justice, suggesting this long-running saga might continue.
