Intel heads to court to appeal record EU antitrust fine

Intel has begun an appeal against its record antitrust fine, calling the evidence against it "profoundly inadequate."

The fine was levied by EU antitrust regulators in 2009, after Intel was found to have engaged in anti-competitive behaviour in order to hinder rival Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) through the use of rebates and contract conditions.

After an eight-year investigation, Intel was fined a record 1.06 billion in 2009, or more than 4.1 percent of Intel's 2008 turnover. The fine, the largest ever levied by the EU against a company, currently stands at $1.34bn due to economic fluctuations.

Immediately after the fine was imposed, Intel CEO Paul Otellini said Intel would appeal, adding:

"We believe the decision is wrong and ignores the reality of a highly competitive microprocessor marketplace. There has been absolutely zero harm to consumers. Intel will appeal." It took three years, but the appeal is now in full swing.

However, according to Reuters, a formal appeal against the fine has begun, with Intel stating in court that EU antitrust regulators relied on "profoundly inadequate" evidence.

As part of a four-day hearing, a panel of five judges at the General Court in Luxembourg -- the second highest court in Europe behind the European Union's Court of Justice -- will hear from both the EU and Intel.

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