Intel has successfully overturned a €1.06bn fine imposed by the European Commission for allegedly abusing its market dominance in the sale of computer chips. The European Court of Justice upheld an earlier decision that quashed the fine and partially dismissed antitrust charges. This marks a significant victory for Intel in a legal battle that has stretched over two decades. However, the dispute isn't over yet. Intel is challenging a separate €376m fine tied to aspects of the case that were upheld by the courts.

The case dates back to 2004 when an investigation began into Intel's business practices. In 2009, the Commission accused Intel of offering hidden rebates to computer makers like Dell and HP, contingent on their exclusive use of Intel CPUs, and of paying companies to delay products featuring rival chips. While Intel's initial challenge was rejected in 2014, the case was reopened in 2017 due to legal errors, leading to the eventual annulment of the larger fine. Intel's latest challenge focuses on the Commission's economic analysis, which the courts found insufficient to prove that Intel’s rebates harmed competition.