President of the Association for Competitive Technology, Jonathan Zuck, issued the following statement on the Intel-FTC settlement announced today. This agreement brings to a close the Commission’s case against Intel regarding alleged anti-competitive trade practices. As part of the settlement, Intel agreed to modify its rebate program and licensing agreements.
“This settlement puts an end to an unwelcome distraction for an important segment of the tech industry. The FTC’s dependence on the ambiguously worded Section 5 of the FTC Act would have ensured a prolonged legal battle with a very uncertain outcome. These ongoing legal machinations would have undoubtedly taken resources and attention away from the research and development that drive Moore’s Law and consumer benefits. Now Intel and other affected companies can get back to innovating and competing on the merits.”