Intel accused of bribing computer makers

The New York attorney general is suing technology firm Intel over accusations of bribery and coercion.

Andrew Cuomo filed a lawsuit yesterday, claiming the microchip supplier was involved in a "systematic campaign of illegal conduct" in order to maintain its "stranglehold" on the technology market.

Intel rejected the accusations and said it would fight the lawsuit.

In an 87-page complaint, Cuomo said Intel had secured exclusive deals with computer makers in exchange for payments, or "rebates", totalling billions of dollars. It is thought Dell alone was paid almost $2 billion (£1.2 billion) in 2006.

Cuomo also accused Intel of punishing customers if they were found to be working too closely with its rival suppliers. Alleged tactics include cutting off illegal payments or directly funding the computer makers' competitors.

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