Intel has lost its challenge against a European Union antitrust ruling but received a partial reduction in the penalty. The EU had imposed an approximately $408 million fine in 2023 over payments made to HP, Acer, and Lenovo between November 2002 and December 2006 to halt or delay rival products from Advanced Micro Devices. These practices, known as naked restrictions, are generally prohibited by regulators. The General Court in Luxembourg upheld the European Commission’s decision but reduced the fine by around $152 million, stating, “The General Court upholds the Commission's 2023 decision against Intel but reduces the fine by approximately €140m.”
Judges explained that a $257 million fine more accurately reflects the gravity and duration of Intel’s anti-competitive behavior, noting the limited number of computers affected and a 12-month gap separating some restrictions. Both Intel and the Commission retain the right to appeal on points of law to the EU Court of Justice, the bloc’s highest court. This ruling marks another chapter in Intel’s long-standing regulatory disputes in Europe, illustrating the ongoing scrutiny faced by major technology companies for practices that may limit competition.
