AMD Subpoenas Skype Over Intel Deal

AMD this week subpoenaed popular Internal calling company Skype as part of the chipmaker's ongoing antitrust lawsuit against rival Intel. AMD is demanding information regarding a deal to make a conference-calling feature in Skype 2.0 work better on Intel based machines.

A user running an Intel chip can include up to 10 other individuals on a conference call, while those with an AMD process can only connect with 5 people. Skype said the limitation was due to limitations with AMD technology, a claim AMD disputes.

The subpoena was first reported by CNET News.com on Wednesday. AMD has fired a number of similar subpoenas to companies across the technology industry in an effort to uncover proof of anti-competitive actions by Intel.

AMD sued Intel last June, accusing its rival of using illegal scare tactics and coercion to keep computer manufacturers from buying AMD processors. It also said that rebates Intel gave computer manufacturers for using its chips exclusively were unlawful since Intel has a monopoly on the processor market.

The company believes Intel cut a similar deal with Skype, offering incentives to restrict the feature on AMD systems. Intel denies it provided any financial incentives, but AMD still believes the agreement violates antitrust laws due to Intel's market dominance.

Intel fired back at AMD's claims last September, calling them a "case study in legal dissonance." It said through its own complaint that AMD is attempting to "shield itself from competition" by preventing Intel from lowering prices on its processors. Thus, Intel says, AMD could charge higher prices and reap the benefits.