Investigators turn spotlight on Intel

The European Commission is investigating Intel for competing unfairly in the Windows-based PC market.

A spokesman for the EC confirmed in a statement today, that two complaints have been made against the chip manufacturing giant. Both allege that Intel's marketing strategy is unfair on its smaller rivals. The EC statement was issued following reports in US newspapers, alleging that the complaints focus on Intel's use of loyalty rebates. The Commission stressed that the anti-trust investigations are at an early stage and it is not yet clear whether Intel has actually breached EU competition laws. The Commission has requested several PC manufacturers and retailers to provide information on their relationship with their chip supplier. No names have been given. Intel has already submitted evidence, which is under evaluation.