What was the original EU antitrust fine for Intel?

The original EU antitrust fine for Intel was €376 million, but it was later reduced to €237.6 million.

Why did the European Commission fine Intel?

The European Commission fined Intel for violating antitrust laws through anticompetitive payments to PC manufacturers.

Has Intel's EU antitrust case concluded?

While a recent judgment reduced the fine, Intel and the European Commission can still appeal to the EU Court of Justice.

Home / Business and Economy / Intel Fined Millions in EU Antitrust Saga

Intel Fined Millions in EU Antitrust Saga

11 Dec

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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 Fined Millions in EU Antitrust Saga

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.