The European Union is on the verge of fining Intel for anticompetitive behavior in competition with its chief rival Advanced Micro Devices. Action is imminent, although the companies haven't said anything yet about a ruling, The Wall Street Journal reports.
If the fines are heavy and the legal findings tough, Intel could face a future full of litigation around the world that could eat into its monopoly profits in microprocessors. Intel has more than 80 percent of the microprocessor market for personal computers.
The allegations hinge on whether Intel unfairly foreclosed on AMD's ability to win customers through deals that gave computer makers incentives to stick with Intel only. AMD helped investigators with their research and has its own private antitrust suits with Intel. Intel has said its actions are legal and that any deals where it offers incentives to customers face a great deal of legal scrutiny.