New York latest to probe Intel

Intel is accused of using unfair business practices to win customers from AMD

The New York Attorney General is to begin an antitrust investigation into Intel.

Andrew Cuomo said on Thursday that his office had issued a subpoena for documents and information on the case, which will look into charges of unfair practices.

The investigation will centre on allegations that Intel used unfair business practices to win customers from rival chipmaker AMD.

Intel is accused of cutting AMD out of the market by paying off or threatening to penalise manufacturers which did not use Intel chips.

"Our investigation is focused on determining whether Intel has improperly used monopoly power to exclude competitors or stifle innovation," Cuomo said in a statement.

"We will also look at whether Intel abused its power to remove competitive threats or harm competition in violation of New York and federal antitrust laws. "

The subpoena marks the latest chapter in the ongoing antitrust saga between Intel, AMD and various government regulation agencies.

AMD filed charges of unfair practices against its rival in 2005, claiming in a US federal court filing that Intel had coerced customers into buying its chips and avoiding the use of AMD processors.

These allegations led the European Commission to file antitrust charges against Intel in January 2007.

Intel did not respond to a request for comment.