Intel is expected to face new antitrust charges from European regulators in an ongoing probe relating to claims that it abused its dominant position in the region. The new allegations, according to a Wall Street Journal report, will further focus on Intel's supposed use of financial incentives to convince European retailers of scrapping or delaying the launch of machines fitted with AMD chips.
Intel said it was cooperating with the investigation but continues to publicly claim its pricing structure and incentive programs are both lawful and benefit consumers by lowering computer prices. The potential new charges would be yet another blow to Intel, which faces a lawsuit by AMD and a formal investigation by the US Federal Trade Commission - not to mention it has already been fined by both the Japanese and South Korean Fair Trade Commissions for similar investigations.