Apple loses bid to remove antitrust monitor following e-book row

Apple's motion to remove the court-appointed antitrust monitor has been reportedly denied after it failed to demonstrate that it is entitled to a halt of the monitor's activities.

Apple had sought removal of Michael Bromwich, alleging that he was over-intrusive with his investigations and charging a hefty fee more than he was entitled for.

However, the US Court of Appeals has denied Apple's request to oust Bromwich, who had been tasked with keeping the company within the bounds of antitrust laws following its loss to the Justice Department over e-books price-fixing last year, The Verge reports.

Meanwhile, Bromwich had argued that the tech giant shut him out of speaking with board members and executives, tasks he said were a key to his job.

According to the report, Apple had won a temporary ban on Bromwich in mid-January ahead of a federal appeal.

A Justice Department representative said that it was 'pleased' by the decision, adding that it 'makes abundantly clear that Apple must now cooperate with the court-appointed monitor.