The European Court of Justice has issued a final ruling in a 20-year battle between the European Commission and Intel Corporation, overturning a €1 billion fine imposed in connection with allegations of antitrust violations.
The European Commission accused Intel of using its market position and offering discounts and preferences to computer manufacturers in exchange for an obligation to buy its chips, thereby squeezing competitors out of the market.
The fine was imposed in 2009 after several years of investigation, but was overturned by the court in 2022. After this, the European Commission filed an appeal to the highest authority, which ultimately upheld the previous decision to cancel the fine.