AMD calls on Skype over Intel deal

By Alun Williams

Posted on 3 Mar 2006 at 16:33

AMD is spreading the scope of its anti-trust battle with Intel, and is involving the voice over IP specialist Skype.

As part of the antitrust complaint AMD has served Skype with a subpoena requesting certain documents from the company. Specifically, documents related to the recent introduction of its 10-way voice conference calling feature. This has been done under the auspices of the US District Court for Central California.

The bone of contention is that this was an Intel-only feature. AMD asserts that Skype disabled it - at Intel's request - for users of computers which don't use Intel chips. AMD declares that this is an artificial limitation and that there is absolutely no technological basis for this exclusive arrangement.

According to AMD it is further evidence of Intel using its market power to maintain its monopoly at all costs.

'We're trying to answer a simple question,' said an AMD spokesperson. 'Is this another instance in which Intel has abused its monopoly position to "leap ahead" of the law?'

The company declares that Skype's move hurts consumers by punishing those who've chosen AMD technology.

For Skype's part, a spokesperson commented: 'Skype has become aware of the document and our lawyers are reviewing it. We do not comment on any ongoing legal issues.'

Following a 'raid' on offices in Tokyo in 2004, Intel KK was found in March 2005 to be in violation of anti-trust legislation by Japan's Fair Trade Commission (JFTC). This set the legal ball rolling, and AMD followed up by filing a lawsuit against Intel.

The most recent twist to the case is the decision of a Tokyo district court to allow the disclosure of the evidence gathered by the JFTC, enabling AMD to proceed with its suit and bring the details of the case out into public record.

To read the full complaint go to www.amd.com/breakfree