AMD Suing Rival Intel Over Marketing

Advanced Micro Devices Inc. is suing rival Intel Corp. in Delaware federal court, accusing it of illegally maintaining a monopoly on the chip market.

Intel, the world’s largest microprocessor manufacturer, has engaged in a relentless global campaign to maintain a monopoly over microprocessors that serve as the electronic brains in most computers, AMD’s 48-page suit claims.

Intel also has used improper subsidies to win sales and threatened retaliation against firms for using or selling AMD products, the suit alleges according to a report in Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal.

AMD’s complaint lists examples of what it characterizes as bribes, threats or intimidation by Intel involving 12 computer makers, nine distributors and 17 retailers, including IBM, Hewlett-Packard Co., Dell Inc., Sony Corp., Toshiba Corp. and Gateway Inc.

Unless settled, the case is not expected to go to trial until 2006.