FTC Litigator Urges Intel Antitrust Suit

The Federal Trade Commission’s top litigator has recommended that the commission sue Intel Corp., the world’s largest maker of computer chips, for alleged antitrust violations, sources familiar with the case said Tuesday.

The recommendation by FTC competition chief William Baer opens the way for an antitrust suit against the maker of microprocessors that power four out of five personal computers, the sources said.

One said the commissioners are likely to vote on the recommendation early next week.

The FTC has said that Santa Clara, Calif.-based Intel holds a monopoly. The suit is expected to allege that Intel illegally used its clout to cut off customers who would not share intellectual property.

Intel shares rose $1.25 to close at $69.25 on Nasdaq after sinking 4.8% on Monday to their lowest closing price since April 16, 1997.