The Federal Trade Commission and Intel announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to settle charges of anticompetitive behavior, reports the NY Times.
The settlement (pdf) prohibits Intel from the practice of paying customers to buy its computer chips exclusively or to refuse to buy chips from other manufacturers. It also prohibits Intel from redesigning its chips purely to harm a competitor. Intel also agreed not to retaliate against computer makers if they do business with non-Intel suppliers.
Intel is also required to maintain for at least six years a feature that will not limit the performance of graphics processing chips made by others, and to disclose that its computer compilers might discriminate between its chips and those of other companies.
No fine was levied, as the FTC only has the authority to force companies to change their behavior; the agency can only levy fines if an order is violated. Penalties are assessed on the order of $16,000 per violation.
“Nvidia supports the FTC’s action to address Intel’s continuing global anticompetitive conduct,” Nvidia said in a statement. “Any steps that lead a more competitive environment for our industry are good for the consumer. We look forward to Intel’s actions being examined further by the Delaware courts later this year, when our lawsuit against the company is heard.”
The FTC says the settlement is more significant than the similar civil settlement between Intel and AMD. This settlement covers Intel’s actions with the industry at large, FTC officials said.
