Intel Challenges €376 Million EU Antitrust Fine in Court

Intel is contesting a €376 million ($421 million) fine imposed by the European Commission for alleged antitrust violations involving payments to computer makers HP, Acer, and Lenovo to delay or avoid launching products with rival AMD chips. The fine is a reduced penalty following a 2009 €1.06 billion fine, much of which was overturned in 2022 by the EU's General Court, except for the portion related to so-called "naked restrictions." Intel argues these payments were limited, tactical, and not part of a broad strategy to dominate the x86 processor market, calling the fine disproportionate and unfair. EU regulators maintain that the fine is modest relative to Intel's revenues and justified by the seriousness of the conduct. Both Intel and the European Commission have asked the court to make a definitive ruling on the fine, with a decision expected in the coming months. Intel's legal challenge continues amid ongoing scrutiny of its market practices, with the case highlighting tensions in EU antitrust enforcement against major US tech companies.