Matrix Info Systems Pvt. Ltd. Vs Intel Corporation (Competition Commission of India)
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) passed an order under Section 27 of the Competition Act, 2002, examining allegations that Intel Corporation abused its dominant position by introducing an India Specific Warranty Policy for its boxed microprocessors (BMPs) from 25.04.2016. The Informant, a parallel importer of Intel microprocessors, alleged that Intel restricted warranty services in India only to BMPs purchased from its authorised Indian distributors, thereby disadvantaging parallel importers and limiting consumer choice.
Initially, the CCI found no prima facie concern under Section 3(4) regarding exclusive distribution agreements. However, it directed investigation into alleged abuse under Section 4. The Director General (DG) concluded that Intel was dominant in the relevant market for “Boxed Microprocessors for Desktop PCs in India” during 2016–2021, noting consistently high market shares compared to AMD, greater size and resources, proprietary technology, diversified product range, and high entry barriers.
On merits, the Commission examined whether Intel’s India Specific Warranty Policy was unfair, restrictive, and exclusionary. Prior to 2016, Intel provided worldwide warranty services in India. After the policy change, warranty service in India was limited to products purchased from authorised Indian distributors. Although warranty remained available, customers who purchased from authorised distributors abroad were redirected to the country of purchase for service.
