Intel hits back at EU antitrust probe

Intel has hit back at the European Union after the organisation brought antitrust charges against the chip giant.

The company said that its actions in the processor market benefited consumers and that it is looking forward to fighting its case in court.

Intel pointed out that the case hinges on a complaint not from customers, but from a competitor.

"We are confident that the microprocessor market segment is functioning normally and that Intel's conduct has been lawful, pro-competitive and beneficial to consumers," said Bruce Sewell, senior vice president and general counsel for Intel.

"While we would have preferred to avoid the cost and inconvenience of establishing that our competitive conduct in Europe has been lawful, the Commission's decision to issue a Statement of Objections means that Intel will have the opportunity to hear and respond to the allegations made by our primary competitor."

AMD claims that Intel illegally pressured manufacturers into using its chips and excluded AMD from competing. The EU raided Intel's office in 2005, a move that sparked a backlash from Intel.