Freedom of choice

Processor maker AMD has filed an antitrust complaint against its rival Intel claiming that it has unlawfully maintained its monopoly in the x86 microprocessor market.

The complaint identifies 38 companies that AMD claims have been victims of coercion by Intel – including large scale computer-makers, small system-builders, wholesale distributors, and retailers.

The complaint was filed in the US federal district court for the district of Delaware under Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act, Sections 4 and 16 of the Clayton Act, and the California Business and Professions Code.

“Everywhere in the world, customers deserve freedom of choice and the benefits of innovation – and these are being stolen away in the microprocessor market,” said Hector Ruiz, AMD chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer.

The litigation follows a recent ruling from the Fair Trade Commission of Japan (JFTC), which found that Intel abused its monopoly power to exclude fair and open competition, violating Section 3 of Japan’s Antimonopoly Act.