Is Intel ethical?

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Workplace equity Settlement

Intel settles race and sex discrimination suit

Intel settles worker's race and sex discrimination suit.

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law360.com
Intel Settles Worker's Race, Sex Discrimination Suit - Law360 Employment Authority

Workplace equity Settlement

Intel settles pay discrimination allegations with $5M payment

Intel agreed to pay $5 million to settle allegations of pay discrimination.

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apnews.com
Intel to pay $5M to settle pay discrimination allegations | AP News
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Labor Department says it has reached a $5 million settlement with chip maker Intel Corp. over allegations of pay discrimination against its female, African American and Hispanic employees.
abc15.com
Intel agrees to $5M pay settlement with federal labor department
Chipmaker Intel Corp. reached a $5 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Labor over allegations of “systemic pay discrimination” against women, African-American and Hispanic employees. The company will pay $3.5 million in back pay and interest to affected employees, according to a release from the department.

Corporate conduct Ruling

The European Commission re-imposed a €376.36 million fine on Intel for anticompetitive practices in the computer chip market

Antitrust: Commission re-imposes €376.36 million fine on Intel for anticompetitive practices in the market for computer chips Brussels, 22 September 2023 The European Commission has re-imposed a fine of around €376.36 million on Intel for a previously established abuse of dominant position in the market for computer chips called x86 central processing units (‘CPUs').

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ec.europa.eu
The world market for x86 CPUs is currently worth approximately €22 billion (US$ 30 billion) per year, with Europe accounting for approximately 30% of that. Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said: "Intel has harmed millions of European consumers by deliberately acting to keep competitors out of the market for computer chips for many years. Such a serious and sustained violation of the EU's antitrust rules cannot be tolerated". The computer manufacturers concerned by Intel's conduct in the Commission's decision are: Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo and NEC.
Antitrust: Commission imposes fine of €1.06 bn on Intel for abuse of dominant position; orders Intel to cease illegal practices The European Commission has imposed a fine of €1 060 000 000 on Intel Corporation for violating EC Treaty antitrust rules on the abuse of a dominant market position (Article 82) by engaging in illegal anticompetitive practices to exclude competitors from the market for computer chips called x86 central processing units (CPUs).
ec.europa.eu
The European Commission has re-imposed a fine of around €376.36 million on Intel for a previously established abuse of dominant position in the market for computer chips called x86 central processing units (‘CPUs').
Antitrust: Commission re-imposes €376.36 million fine on Intel for anticompetitive practices in the market for computer chips Brussels, 22 September 2023 The European Commission has re-imposed a fine of around €376.36 million on Intel for a previously established abuse of dominant position in the market for computer chips called x86 central processing units (‘CPUs').
The Commission decision was based on findings that Intel had engaged in two specific forms of illegal practices by: (i) giving wholly or partially hidden rebates to computer manufacturers on condition that they bought all, or almost all, their x86 CPUs from Intel (so-called ‘conditional rebates' ); and (ii) paying computer manufacturers to halt or delay the launch of specific products containing competitors' x86 CPUs and to limit the sales channels available to these products (so-called 'naked restrictions' ). In 2022 , the General Court partially annulled the 2009 Commission's decision, in particular the Commission's finding related to Intel's conditional rebates practice.
On 13 May 2009 , the Commission fined Intel €1.06 billion for abusing its dominant position in the market for x86 CPUs. In 2014, the General Court dismissed Intel's appeal against the 2009 Commission's decision ( T- 286/09 ).
Intel engaged in a series of anticompetitive practices aimed at excluding competitors from the relevant market in breach of EU antitrust rules. The decision re-imposing a fine In 2009 , the Commission fined Intel €1.06 billion after finding that Intel abused its dominant position in the market for x86 CPUs.
The lower fine imposed by today's decision reflects the narrower scope of the infringement compared to the 2009 Commission decision. This decision is without prejudice to the Commission's pending appeal against the General Court's annulment of its 2009 finding of an infringement as regards Intel's conditional rebates. Background Article 102 of the TFEU and Article 54 of the European Economic Area Agreement prohibit the abuse of a dominant position. On 26 July 2007 , the Commission opened proceedings and adopted a Statement of Objections against Intel.
ec.europa.eu
First, Intel gave wholly or partially hidden rebates to computer manufacturers on condition that they bought all, or almost all, their x86 central processing units (CPUs) from Intel.
Second, Intel made direct payments to computer manufacturers to halt or delay the launch of specific products containing a competitor's x86 CPUs and to limit the sales channels available to these products.
ec.europa.eu
The European Commission has today published a non-confidential version of its Intel Decision, adopted on 13 May 2009 ( IP/09/745 and MEMO/09/235), together with a summary of the key elements of the Decision.
ec.europa.eu
Antitrust: Commission welcomes General Court judgment upholding its decision against Intel The European Commission welcomes today's judgment by the General Court (case T- 286/09) which fully upholds the Commission's 2009 Decision which found that Intel had abused its dominant position and which im posed on Intel a fine of €1.06 billion (see IP/09/745).
Intel appealed the decision to the General Court.
upholding its decision against Intel The European Commission welcomes today's judgment by the General Court (case T- 286/09) which fully upholds the Commission's 2009 Decision which found that Intel had abused its dominant position and which im posed on Intel a fine of €1.06 billion (see IP/09/745).
In its decision, the Commission found that the conditions and payments relating to these abuses were not generally written in any co ntracts and that Intel had tried to conceal them.
ec.europa.eu
Intel paid its customers to limit, delay or cancel the sale of products containing computer chips of its main rival.
The EU has been supporting humanitarian operations in Armenia and Azerbaijan with more than €21 million since the large-scale escalation of the conflict in 2020. (For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Daniel Puglisi - Tel.: +32 2 296 91 40) Antitrust: Commission re-imposes €376.36 million fine on Intel for anticompetitive practices in the market for computer chips The European Commission has re-imposed a fine of around €376.36 million on Intel for a previously established abuse of dominant position in the market for computer chips called x86 central processing units (‘CPUs'). In 2009 , the Commission fined Intel €1.06 billion after finding that Intel abused its dominant position in the market for x86 CPUs.
The Commission decision was based on findings that Intel had engaged in two specific forms of illegal practices by: (i)giving wholly or partially hidden rebates to computer manufacturers on condition that they bought all, or almost all, their x86 CPUs from Intel (so-called ‘conditional rebates' ); and (ii) paying computer manufacturers to halt or delay the launch of specific products containing competitors' x86 CPUs and to limit the sales channels available to these products (so-called 'naked restrictions' ). In 2022 , the General Court partially annulled the 2009 Commission's decision, in particular the Commission's finding related to Intel's conditional rebates practice.
ec.europa.eu
The Commission is committed to enforcing EU competition rules and ensuring that such anticompetitive practices do not remain unsanctioned. Has the Commission paid interests to Intel following the annulment of the fine imposed in the 2009 Commission's decision? Following the judgment of the General Court of 26 January 2022 in the Intel case, which annulled the fine imposed on Intel by the Commission's decision of 13 May 2009, the Commission reimbursed Intel the entire fine provisionally paid and the applicable interest.
, the Commission fined Intel €1.06 billion for abusing its dominant position in the market for computer chips called x86 central processing units (‘CPUs'). In particular, the Commission found that Intel had abused its dominant position by (i) giving wholly or partially hidden rebates to computer manufacturers on condition that they bought all, or almost all, their x86 CPUs from Intel (so-called ‘conditional rebates' ); and (ii) paying computer manufacturers to halt or delay the launch of specific products containing competitors' x86 CPUs and to limit the sales channels available to these products (so-called 'naked restrictions' ). What did the courts rule in the different instances? In 2014, the General Court dismissed Intel's appeal against the 2009 Commission's decision ( T- 286/09 ).
ftc.gov
In particular, the complaint alleged that Intel unlawfully maintained its monopoly in relevant central processing unit, or CPU, markets, and sought to acquire a second monopoly in the relevant graphics markets, using a variety of unfair methods of competition.
ftc.gov
According to the FTC’s complaint, Intel’s anticompetitive tactics violate Section 5 of the FTC Act, which is broader than the antitrust laws and prohibits unfair methods of competition, and deceptive acts and practices in commerce.
ftc.gov
Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz will be joined by Bureau of Competition Director Richard Feinstein at FTC Headquarters on Wednesday, August 4, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. ET to detail the terms of the Commission’s order settling charges that Intel Corporation used anticompetitive tactics that stifled innovation and harmed consumers in the market for computer microprocessors, graphics processing units, and chipsets.
ftc.gov
“This case demonstrates that the FTC is willing to challenge anticompetitive conduct by even the most powerful companies in the fastest-moving industries,” said Chairman Jon Leibowitz. “By accepting this settlement, we open the door to competition today and address Intel’s anticompetitive conduct in a way that may not have been available in a final judgment years from now. Everyone, including Intel, gets a greater degree of certainty about the rules of the road going forward, which allows all the companies in this dynamic industry to move ahead and build better, more innovative products.”
“This case demonstrates that the FTC is willing to challenge anticompetitive conduct by even the most powerful companies in the fastest-moving industries,” said Chairman Jon Leibowitz. “By accepting this settlement, we open the door to competition today and address Intel’s anticompetitive conduct in a way that may not have been available in a final judgment years from now. Everyone, including Intel, gets a greater degree of certainty about the rules of the road going forward, which allows all the companies in this dynamic industry to move ahead and build better, more innovative products.” The FTC settlement applies to Central Processing Units, Graphics Processing Units and chipsets and prohibits Intel from using threats, bundled prices, or other offers to exclude or hamper competition or otherwise unreasonably inhibit the sale of competitive CPUs or GPUs. The settlement also prohibits Intel from deceiving computer manufacturers about the performance of non-Intel CPUs or GPUs.
ftc.gov
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BEFORE THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION In the Matter of INTEL CORPORATION, a corporation ) ) ) ) ) ) ) DOCKET NO. 9341 PUBLIC DOCUMENT Intel's Memorandum in Support of Memorandum in Opposition to Complaint Counsel's Motion to Admit European Commission Decision APPENDIX 1
ftc.gov
9341 The Federal Trade Commission (“Commission” or “FTC”) accepted for public comment an Agreement Containing Consent Order (“Proposed Consent Order”) with Intel Corporation (“Intel”) to resolve an Administrative Complaint issued by the Commission on December 16, 2009.1 The Complaint alleged that Intel unlawfully maintained its monopoly in the relevant CPU markets, and sought to acquire a second monopoly in the relevant graphics markets, using a variety of unfair methods of competition.

Climate & energy Confirmed

Intel pays civil penalty for environmental violations

Intel paid a civil penalty and dedicated part of it to funding wood stove replacements in Washington County through a Supplemental Environmental Project.

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oregon.gov
DEQ Response: DEQ’s civil penalty assessment for air quality violations and Intel’s proposed permit modification are separate activities that are occurring in parallel.
Intel is now in full compliance and has paid the civil penalty with a portion of the penalty dedicated to funding wood stove replacement in Washington County through a Supplemental Environmental Project.

Workplace equity Allegation

Intel is accused of removing employee for discrimination claims

Intel is accused of removing an employee after he reported anti-Israel hostility and discriminatory conduct, forcing him into a lower-paying role.

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notoleranceforantisemitism.adl.org
When the plaintiff, who had outstanding performance reviews and had recently been promoted, reported the anti-Israel hostility and discriminatory workplace conduct, Intel removed him from his job and forced him into a lower-paying role.
ADL Joins Employment Discrimination Lawsuit Against Intel | No Tolerance for Antisemitism
jpost.com
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) announced on Friday that it is joining an employment discrimination lawsuit against Intel, marking the first time in recent history that the organization has filed suit against a major Fortune 500 company for alleged antisemitic discrimination in the workplace.

Corporate conduct Confirmed

Intel suspends customers for technical restrictions

Intel suspended commercial relationships with customers on at least three occasions, refusing to provide technical information to force customers to grant Intel licenses for microprocessor-related technology they developed.

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ftc.gov
On at least three occasions, however, Intel suspended its established commercial relationships with particular customers, refusing to provide technical information about Intel products for the purpose of forcing those customers to grant Intel licenses to microprocessor-
ftc.gov
On at least three occasions, however, Intel suspended its established commercial relationships with particular customers, refusing to provide technical information about Intel products for the purpose of forcing those customers to grant Intel licenses to microprocessor- related technology developed and owned by those customers.

Corporate conduct Allegation

Intel is accused of paying rebates to computer makers

New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo alleges Intel paid computer makers rebates to illegally maintain its monopoly power.

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cnet.com
New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo filed a federal antitrust lawsuit Wednesday against Intel that accuses it of paying computer makers rebates to illegally maintain its monopoly power, the newest among several such attacks that have dogged the chipmaker in recent years.
New York antitrust suit accuses Intel of bribery - CNET
ftc.gov
Intel’s Unfair Methods of Competition and Deceptive Practices Maintained and Strengthened Intel’s Monopoly Position in the Relevant Markets 47.
theguardian.com
After a 20-month investigation, attorney general Andrew Cuomo accused Intel of striking deals in which computer makers such as Dell, Hewlett-Packard and IBM agreed to choose its microprocessors over those of competitors in return for billions of kickbacks disguised as "rebates".
Intel accused of bribery and coercion | Business | The Guardian

Corporate conduct Confirmed

Intel disseminated ads to induce purchases

Intel disseminated advertisements to induce consumers to purchase computers with Intel CPUs.

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ftc.gov
Intel disseminated or caused to be disseminated advertisements, including product labeling and other promotional materials, to induce consum ers to purchase computers with Intel CPUs.

Workplace equity Allegation

Intel is accused of discrimination based on race and gender

A former employee filed a suit alleging Intel discriminated against her based on race and gender, claiming severe underpayment.

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business-humanrights.org
Intel has been accused of discrimination after a former employee says she was severely underpaid based on her race and gender...Cristina Wong filed suit against the chip giant in the Northern California US District Court alleging violations of the Federal Equal Pay Act, California Fair Employment and Housing Act, California Fair Pay Act, and the Unfair Competition Law.
USA: Female ex-employee files lawsuit against tech co. Intel alleging significant pay disparity based on her race & gender - Business and Human Rights Centre

Corporate conduct Confirmed

FTC sues Intel for anti-competitive conduct

The FTC filed a complaint against Intel for anti-competitive practices similar to those addressed in a 2009 Commission decision.

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ec.europa.eu
On Intel, one of our most prominent recent abuse cases, I note that the FTC, in December, issued a complaint against the company for essentially the same type of conduct as that covered by the Commission's prohibition decision of 2009.