After years of investigation, the European Commission has issued formal charges against Intel today, for alleged anti-competitive business practices against rival AMD.

"I can confirm the statement of objections has been sent," EC spokesman Ton Van Lierop told Reuters.

The EU has been sniffing around Intel's business practices in Europe for six years, but the investigation got a second wind in 2005 when AMD formally accused its arch-rival of using illegal tactics to dominate the PC and server markets. AMD has also launched formal complaints against Intel in the US, Japan, and Germany — although no decisions have been reached in any of the areas.

Intel would not comment on the Commission's charges, but it's likely the company will have a statement prepared when the the official EU statement is filed tomorrow morning. The company has previously denied the charges.

In 2005, EC officials raided Intel premises as a part of their investigation.

"We have not been informed by the EC of the issuance of a statement of objections concerning Intel," AMD said in a statement. "On the basis of an initial press report, we await the EC's public description of its apparent decision to charge Intel with illegal monopoly practices that harm consumers, as well as Intel's response." ®

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