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FTC Sues Intel

joshua — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:25:31 +0000

Apparently someone over that the FTC woke up and realized that for the past two decades, Intelhas held market domination in the computer chip market and has used coercive tactics to maintain it. Allegedly. I’m not saying that it’s too late to do anything about it now, I’m just saying it might have been a good idea to join the party ten years ago or so.

Yesterday the FTC filed suit under both the 5th and the 2nd section of the Sherman Antitrust act. The section 5 action alleges unfair or deceptive business practices while section 2 deal with monopolistic behaviour. New York’s AG Cuomo will be watching carefully because if the FTC loses on the section 2 claim, Intel will be able to use that in the case filed by New York. On the other hand, if the FTC wins on section 2, New York will be able to piggyback off their victory. Delaware also has pending claims under section 2, but New York has Cuomo and is therefore more fun to write about.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:35:44 +0000

Good morning everyone. It’s Monday, November 16, and here’s a quick look back at the recent news.

Justice Sotomayor is the most active questioner on the Court, accoding to the National Law Journal…

A group of students and parents is suing the Chicago school district in the wake of the violent death of a student…

Now that Intel and AMD have come to terms, we look at the law firms behind the battle…

and Greg Craig is stepping down as White House chief counsel…

For my fellow skywatchers, tonight the earth will pass through the debris of the swift-tuttle comet, treating us to what is commonly referred to as the Leonids – a bright and colorful meteor shower named for the constellation Leo. For best times to view and more information, check this link.

A Look at the Backend of the Intel/AMD Fight

joshua — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:03:56 +0000

When giants like Intel and AMD go to war, its often the law firms that come out on top. Here’s a quick rundown of the firms involved in the fight, now that a settlement has been reached.

AMD was primarily represented by O’Melveny & Myers, both here and in the EU.

Intel had a host of firms handling different parts of the fight. Gibson Dunn had Intel’s business for the Deleware case while Skadden had the lead in the EU. Howrey was involved in suing the insurance company for coverage of Gibson Dunn’s bills for the defense. Bingham McCutchen was lead counself for Intel on multiple class action suits and co-cousnsel with Gibson Dunn in Deleware.

The big loser now that the two companies have come to terms will be O’Melveny, who will lose its top client once the dust has settled. Gibson Dunn and Skadden won’t have the same issue, since federal regulators are still sniffing about for a fight and any state or federal cases brought forward aren’t affected by the settlement.

Morning Roundup

joshua — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:27:19 +0000

Today is Friday, November 13th, and here’s a look back at yesterday’s news.

Foley & Lardner snag a prominent IP lawyerfrom Sheppard Mullin…

Baker Hostetler open an office in Chicago…

Intel and AMD have reached a $1.2 billion settlement…

and according to a survey from PWC, UK firms are feeling the pinch…

Anyone interested in the history of the superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th might enjoy this article…

Intel and AMD Reach $1.2 Billion Settlement

joshua — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:29:37 +0000

According to a press release from Intel this morning, the two companies have reached an agreement whereby AMD will drop all of its antitrust complaints, worldwide. Intel and AMD will gain joint patent rights from a new five year cross license agreement and both companies will give up any breach of contract claims from the previous contract. For this, Intel will pay AMD $1.25 billion.

AMD had antitrust complaints pending in Delaware and in Japan.

The agreement is between private companies and does not affect ongoing investigations by the FTC or the lawsuit filed by the state of New York. Intel is also on the hook still for a fine handed down by the European Union earlier this year, pending an appeal of that case.