Filed under: Desktops, Laptops
This is gonna leave a mark: Intel was just handed a $25 million slap on the wrist due to its questionable kickbacks to Korean computer manufacturers. The Korea Fair Trade Commission dropped the fine as punishment for the rebates Intel slipped to Samsung and Trigem in order to remain exclusive to its chips. Intel dolled out about $37 million in rebates — under the guise of co-marketing campaigns — over 2.5 years. While it is unclear whether or not Intel forced the manufacturers into any exclusive arrangement, it seems the commission believes such a clause was implied. Meanwhile, Intel is already under the European Union’s microscope for the same practices. Intel plans to appeal the ruling, and adds, “We’ll never do something that violates Korean law. We don’t believe we have ever done that.” While such practices remain under the legal radar here in the States, this practice isn’t so kosher elsewhere.
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