New York sues Intel for antitrust behavior

The Attorney General of New York accused Intel of antitrust behavior today

Andrew Cuomo alleged that the Santa Clara company bullied computer manufacturers and paid them money to stop them using X86 chips made by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD).

Intel denies any wrongdoing.

Cuomo’s office, in a statement, said that the rebates made to firms like Dell, IBM, and Hewlett Packard violate antitrust laws. And it also alleges that vendors were threatened if they bought AMD chips rather than the microprocessors made by Intel.

Cuomo’s statement said that Intel’s behavior was worldwide and systematic. Intel, it continued, used bribery and coercion to maintain its pole position in the marketplace.

Currently, Intel is appealing against a fine levied  by the European Union  and is also under investigation by a number of bodies including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Meanwhile, a private case brought by AMD against Intel continues, with hearings expected to start in spring next year, unless a settlement between the parties is agreed.