AMD takes Intel battle to Japan

Advanced Micro Devices extended the breadth of its antitrust fight against Intel by filing two claims with courts in Japan on Thursday.

The suits submitted to the Tokyo High Court and the Tokyo District Court only pertain to the Japanese subsidiaries: AMD Japan and Intel KK, respectively.

The complaints seek damages of about $50m (5.5bn yen) and are based on findings made in March by Japan's Fair Trade Commission. AMD said it is alleging anti-competitive behaviour in the marketing of PCs and servers in Japan.

AMD said in a statement: "These acts represent only the tip of the iceberg of Intel's worldwide coercion of customers to prevent them from doing business with AMD Japan."

A representative with Intel was not immediately available to comment but the number one chipmaker has publicly dismissed AMD's claims.

Intel CEO Paul Otellini issued a statement on Wednesday saying his company "has always respected the laws of the countries in which it operates".

Earlier this week, AMD filed an antitrust lawsuit against Intel in US District Court in Delaware. In both the United States and Japan, AMD alleges Intel is using monopolistic business practices.

Michael Singer writes for CNET News.com