Think About IP

Today, you have the opportunity to attend a free - CLE credit available conference on intellectual property crimes and state and federal enforcement actions.

Space is limited! Register Today!

Washington State Intellectual Property Rights Conference:
IP Crimes, Victims & Cases

Wednesday, June 24, 8:15 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
U.S. Courthouse
700 Steward Street, 19th flr., Seattle 98101

This training conference will include tips on how to develop and refer cases to law enforcement, best practices, and case studies on recent IP criminal prosecutions.

Broadband, But...

The Washington State legislature has taken a tentative step to extend broadband access with its passage of HB 1701.

HB 1701 was written so that the state could capitalize on about $7.2 billion in the Stimulus Bill (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – ARRA) that is earmarked for broadband initiatives. The legislation says that if specific funding for the purposes of the act is not provided by June 30, 2009, in the omnibus appropriations act, the act is null and void.

Joining in the leadership effort was Sen. Jim Kastama, a recognized advocate in the state Senate for technology issues and technology-led economic development.

Intel Comments on EU Ruling

Paul Otellini, president and CEO, Intel Corporation (the world leader in silicon innovation) today issued the following statement regarding the European Commission decision on Intel’s business practices:

Intel takes strong exception to this decision. We believe the decision is wrong and ignores the reality of a highly competitive microprocessor marketplace – characterized by constant innovation, improved product performance and lower prices. There has been absolutely zero harm to consumers. Intel will appeal.

We do not believe our practices violated European law. The natural result of a competitive market with only two major suppliers is that when one company wins sales, the other does not. The Directorate General for Competition of the Commission ignored or refused to obtain significant evidence that contradicts the assertions in this decision. We believe this evidence shows that when companies perform well the market rewards them, when they don’t perform the market acts accordingly.

Intel never sells products below cost. We have however, consistently invested in innovation, in manufacturing and in developing leadership technology. The result is that we can discount our products to compete in a highly competitive marketplace, passing along to consumers everywhere the efficiencies of being the world’s leading volume manufacturer of microprocessors.

Despite our strongly held views, as we go through the appeals process we plan to work with the Commission to ensure we’re in compliance with their decision. Finally, there should be no doubt whatsoever that Intel will continue to invest in the products and technologies that provide Europe and the rest of the world the industry’s best performing processors at lower prices.

More information about Intel and Competition in the Innovation Economy is available at here.

Additional information about Intel is available at their online pressroom and blog.