AMD is an undisputed innovation leader in the microprocessor industry. We were the first company to break 1GHz, the first to take x86 computing to 64-bits, and the first to ship dual-core products to the enterprise market – and we are turning technology into concrete benefits for our customers and consumers. We recently demonstrated our commitment to innovation with the opening of our state-of-the-art Fab36 in Dresden, Germany.
Leading publications, analysts and customers have recognized the dual-core AMD Opteron™ as the best in the industry, and it has won every major industry-standard benchmark for x86 servers since its launch.
But AMD's strength and widely acknowledged innovation leadership does not change the fact that Intel is abusing its monopoly power by using illegal tactics to prevent PC manufacturers from choosing AMD products.
In June 2005, AMD filed landmark antitrust litigation in U.S. Federal District Court in Delaware against Intel Corp. under Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act, and Sections 4 and 16 of the Clayton Act, as well as the California Business and Professions Code. The 48-page complaint details how Intel has engaged in ongoing illegal, anticompetitive conduct to maintain their monopoly power and limit our ability to effectively compete in the market.
The Japanese Government recognized these illegal competitive harms in March 2005, when its Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) recommended that Intel be sanctioned for its exclusionary misconduct directed at AMD. Intel did not contest the charges. AMD Japan also filed two claims against Intel K.K., its Japanese subsidiary, in the Tokyo High Court and Tokyo District Court for similar antitrust violations.
Intel's illegal business practices are under the intense scrutiny around the world. In addition to the JFTC ruling that Intel illegally manipulated the market to exclude competition and harm consumers, the European Commission raided Intel’s offices across Europe in July, 2005 as part of its ongoing investigation into Intel’s business practices there; and South Korean antitrust authorities have also announced that they too are investigating Intel’s marketing and rebate practices.
AMD took action because consumers are currently paying more than they should, innovation is being constrained and choice is artificially limited. Through our litigation, we're seeking to change the landscape of the computing industry for the better – for ourselves, for the market, and for consumers worldwide.
Below are AMD's responses to some basic, frequently asked questions about the litigation:
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