WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 — The Federal Trade Commission today sued Intel Corp., the world’s leading computer chip maker, charging that the company has illegally used its dominant market position for a decade to stifle competition and strengthen its monopoly.

In its complaint, the FTC alleges that Intel has waged a systematic campaign to shut out rivals’ competing microchips by cutting off their access to the marketplace. In the process, Intel deprived consumers of choice and innovation in the microchips that comprise the computers’ central processing unit, or CPU. These chips are critical components that often are referred to as the “brains” of a computer.

According to the FTC complaint, Intel’s anticompetitive tactics were designed to put the brakes on superior competitive products that threatened its monopoly in the CPU microchip market. Over the last decade, this strategy has succeeded in maintaining the Intel monopoly at the expense of consumers, who have been denied access to potentially superior, non-Intel CPU chips and lower prices, the complaint states.

“Intel has engaged in a deliberate campaign to hamstring competitive threats to its monopoly,” said Richard A. Feinstein, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition. “It’s been running roughshod over the principles of fair play and the laws protecting competition on the merits. The Commission’s action today seeks to remedy the damage that Intel has done to competition, innovation, and, ultimately, the American consumer.”

The FTC’s administrative complaint charges that Intel carried out its anticompetitive campaign using threats and rewards aimed at the world’s largest computer manufacturers, including Dell, Hewlett-Packard, and IBM, to coerce them not to buy rival computer CPU chips. Intel also used this practice, known as exclusive or restrictive dealing, to prevent computer makers from marketing any machines with non-Intel computer chips.

In addition, allegedly, Intel secretly redesigned key software, known as a compiler, in a way that deliberately stunted the performance of competitors’ CPU chips. Intel told its customers and the public that software performed better on Intel CPUs than on competitors’

CPUs, but the company deceived them by failing to disclose that these differences were due largely or entirely to Intel’s compiler design.

Having succeeded in slowing adoption of competing CPU chips over the past decade until it could catch up to competitors like Advanced Micro Devices, Intel allegedly once again finds itself falling behind the competition – this time in the critical market for graphics processing units, commonly known as GPUs, as well as some other related markets. These products have lessened the need for CPUs, and therefore pose a threat to Intel’s monopoly power.

Intel has responded to this competitive challenge by embarking on a similar anticompetitive strategy, which aims to preserve its CPU monopoly by smothering potential competition from GPU chips such as those made by Nvidia, the FTC complaint charges. As part of this latest campaign, Intel misled and deceived potential competitors in order to protect its monopoly. The complaint alleges that there also is a dangerous probability that Intel’s unfair methods of competition could allow it to extend its monopoly into the GPU chip markets.

According to the FTC’s complaint, Intel’s anticompetitive tactics violate Section 5 of the FTC Act, which is broader than the antitrust laws and prohibits unfair methods of competition, and deceptive acts and practices in commerce. Critically, unlike an antitrust violation, a violation of Section 5 cannot be used to establish liability for plaintiffs to seek triple damages in private litigation against the same defendant. The complaint also alleges that Intel engaged in illegal monopolization, attempted monopolization and monopoly maintenance, also in violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act.

To remedy the anticompetitive damage alleged in the complaint, the FTC is seeking an order which includes provisions that would prevent Intel from using threats, bundled prices, or other offers to encourage exclusive deals, hamper competition, or unfairly manipulate the prices of its CPU or GPU chips. The FTC also may seek an order prohibiting Intel from unreasonably excluding or inhibiting the sale of competitive CPUs or GPUs, and prohibiting Intel from making or distributing products that impair the performance-or apparent performance-of non-Intel CPUs or GPUs.

The Commission vote approving the administrative complaint was 3-0, with Commissioner William E. Kovacic recused, and Commissioner J. Thomas Rosch issuing a separate statement in which he concurs in part and dissents in part from the Commission vote.

Chairman Leibowitz and Commissioner Rosch issued a statement outlining the rationale for bringing the case under Section 5 of the FTC Act, which can be found on the FTC’s Web site and as a link to this press release. In his concurring and dissenting statement, Commissioner Rosch described the legal principles that limit an FTC Act Section 5 claim in this case, and the problems that could result from adding follow-on Sherman Act Section 2 claims. A copy of the Commissioner’s statement also can be found on the FTC’s Web site and as a link to this press release.

Under the recently implemented rule expediting the Part 3 administrative hearing process, this matter is tentatively scheduled to be heard before an Administrative Law Judge on September 8, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.

NOTE: The Commission issues a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. The issuance of a complaint is not a finding or ruling that the respondent has violated the law. The complaint marks the beginning of a proceeding in which the allegations will be ruled upon after a formal hearing.

The FTC’s Bureau of Competition works with the Bureau of Economics to investigate alleged anticompetitive business practices and, when appropriate, recommends that the Commission take law enforcement action. To inform the Bureau about particular business practices, call 202-326-3300, send an e-mail to antitrust@ftc.gov , or write to the Office of Policy and Coordination, Room 394, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W., Washington, DC 20580. To learn more about the Bureau of Competition, read “Competition Counts” at

http://www.ftc.gov/competitioncounts

June 25, 2009 (Sahuarita, AZ) – BlazinTech takes its commitment to its customers to a higher level by conducting a grand sale this coming Independence Day celebration. The promo is specially made to let customers to freely choose the computer component(s) they need, at the very affordable prices. To give consumers more time to choose and buy, this special Independence Day Sale will be an 8-day event, starting on June 29 until July 6, 2009.

Rock bottom prices plus great promos await regular and new customers. From computer parts such as RAM memory sticks, wireless network adapters, processors, motherboards and hard disks to other electronic gadgets like digital cameras, mp3 players, headsets and compact flash drives, several products will be on sale. Most items will be significantly reduced up to 40% off original selling price, so PC enthusiasts will surely enjoy buying all the things they need without spending too much.

There are also special offers that will be presented during the sale event. No need for customers to visit several websites because virtually all the stuffs they want are being offered at BlazinTech, for a low price with great deals. Not to mention FREE Ground Shipping on most locations in the United States.

Blazintech.net is a trusted resource for all computer parts needs. The store features some of the best computer components and accessories that can upgrade or complete the computer system of consumers. By offering low-priced items without comprising quality and reliability, buyers can have peace of mind knowing that their purchased item is functional and contains no defective elements.

Indeed, there are more reasons to celebrate the freedom that our great country has. Take advantage of Independence Day’s Sale at BlazinTech in which various products will be on sale.

Visit its website, http://www.blazintech.net/, to see all the product sale and promos. For more detailed information, contact BlazinTech by sending an email at ContactUs@BlazinTech.Net.

Sahuarita, AZ June 8, 2009 — To recognize the importance of a man who simply puts his child’s needs above his own, Blazintech is proud to announce their 5-day sale of computer items for the entire five days before the actual 2009 Father’s Day celebration. It is with great pride and honor for Blazintech to acknowledge and give thanks to the bravery and kindness of all fathers across the globe.

Blazintech announces another huge computer sale special. Another set of bestselling items are now up for grabs. This sale has been voluntarily offered by the Blazintech CEO, Adil Khan, in behalf of the upcoming Father’s Day celebration. This Father’s Day Sale will start on June 15 and will last until June 19, 2009. The promo covers all items such as monitors, laptops, RAM, external hard drives, motherboard combo and any computer-related items that Blazintech currently offers. Customers have the privilege to acquire Blazintech’s 30% up to 40% discount on all items which also includes a free shipping code. Free Ground shipping is only applicable for customers in US excluding the states of Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The company considered this as one great approach in giving all Dads the perfectly unique gift.

All Dads from across the nation will undoubtedly be amused and have that sparkling smile upon receiving this special gift from the persons who gathered to share this special day with him. “This is a perfect treat and a truly unique gift for every Dad this coming Father’s Day”, as stated by Adil Khan who is the owner of the prestigious Blazintech Company and also a father of one lovable daughter. Products with special Father’s Day sale are marked with discounted prices on the corresponding Blazintech page. Customers also have the option to choose their desired gift for their Father based on the list provided at the “Specials” section, items in the category section or just by directly searching the exact term of the product. The product page shows the exact image and specification of the item. This is also where customers identify if the item is offered with necessary rebates.

Blazintech.Net is an authorized website of computer parts and accessories from desktop to laptop. Feel free to visit Blazintech.Net for more information about purchasing, consignment and payment methods.