Intel and FTC seek antitrust settlement

Intel and the Federal Trade Commission indicated June 21 they may soon reach an out-of-court settlement of their antitrust case, filing a joint motion to suspend administrative trial proceedings until July 22.

The two parties said the suspension was needed while they considered potential settlement of the case originally brought by the FTC last December. They said this would create a month's window, till July 22, during which time they would review and discuss a proposed consent order. A consent order is an alternative to litigation, whereby the FTC can gain compliance from a company it has accused of unlawful conduct.