Apple loses bid to block antitrust monitor in e-book price fixing row

Apple has reportedly lost a bid to block an antitrust monitor appointed by the court after the tech giant was found guilty in allegedly fixing the e-book prices.

US District Judge Denise Cote denied Apple's request to stay an order requiring an external compliance monitor pending the company's appeal.

According to Fox News, the judge ruled in favour of continued monitoring of Apple, adding that there was "nothing improper" about a declaration filed by lawyer, Michael Browmwich, chosen to serve as monitor.

Bromwich had filed a report that the tech giant failed to comply in the investigations and hindered when interviews with senior officials of the company were demanded.

While Apple complained that Bromwich had been trying aggressively to interview top executives, even though his mandate called for him to review the company's antitrust policies 90 days after his appointment, apart from charging hefty fee of 1,100 dollars per hour.

Cote said that she would issue a decision explaining her reasoning and Apple would then have 48 hours to seek an emergency stay from the federal appeals court in New York.

Meanwhile, a lawyer for Apple, Theodore Boutrous, said that Apple would appeal the decision, the report added.