IF global chip-making giant Intel thought its lengthy legal issues with the Euopean Union were nearing an end, they drmatically underestimated the mood of refulators.

The European Commission has confirmed that it had sent a supplementary statement of objections to Intel – the equivalent of throwing a book at the company and telling it there is a long way to go.

The supplementary statement of objections reinforces issues it raised with the comapni in October last year . It has accused Intel of various practices auimed at both excluding its rival AMD from the market, and hurting the future commercial prospects of AMD.

The European Commission alledges that Intel paid resellers not to sell competitive companuter processors from AMD – effectively locking the company out of the maket.

Intel has flatly denied the charges. “We're naturally disappointed the Commission has decided to issue a new SO,” the company said in a statement. “The issuance of a second SO suggests that the Commission supports AMD's position that Intel should be prevented from competing fairly and offering price discounts which have resulted in lower prices for consumers.”

“We will evaluate this newest SO and respond fully, but it's clear that the allegations stem from the same set of complaints that our competitor, AMD, has been making to regulators and courts around the world for more than 10 years,” it said.

The EC said in the supplementary SOO that Intel made payments in order to induce a leading OEM manufacturer to delay the planned launch of a product line incorporating an AMD-based CPU.

Intel has eight weeks to reply to the SSO, and will then have the right to be heard in a hearing.

Intel has eight weeks to reply to the SSO, and will then have the right to be heard in an Oral Hearing. If the Commission's views are confirmed, it may rule that Intel cease the abuse and could impose a fine.