Washington (DC) - The New York Times is reporting that Intel will not be formally investigated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for anti-trust allegations made by AMD.  This news follows a report by FTC chairwoman, Deborah P. Majoras, wherein the FTC "has rejected requests to elevate the inquiry to a formal investigation, which would give staff members the authority to issue subpoenas and compel testimony from executives of the companies involved."

The report indicates that after more than a year of informal investigation there is not enough evidence to mount a full-on investigation.  Still, at least two of the five commissioners did recommend to the chairwoman that she open a formal investigation.  According to the article, "Ms. Majoras has declined without elaboration to authorize a formal inquiry".

Similar official investigations into anti-trust allegations are continuing in Europe and Korea.  In 2005, Japan authorities ruled that Intel had violated their anti-trust lawsuits.  Several informal investigations are continuing in other countries.  AMD filed their lawsuit against Intel in the U.S. federal court in 2005.  It is unclear what impact this news will have on the trial or its outcome.

Read more at The New York Times.