Intel is asking the European Commission for more time to respond to antitrust charges.

Chipzilla was hit with a formal statement of objections by the European regulator in in July. The EC accuses the company of abusing its dominant market position to boot rival AMD out of the European scene.

Today was the original deadline for Intel to reply to the charges and defend it in an oral hearing. On October 2, Intel asked the Commission for an extension, Intel has confirmed.

"We feel to sufficiently respond thoroughly, we need more time to respond," said Intel spokesman Chuck Mulloy.

Intel senior veep Bruce Sewell has said the EC's objections would at last give them the opportunity to hear and respond to allegations made by AMD.

If the Commission isn't satisfied with what Intel's defense, fines from the charges could be as high as $3.2bn. ®