Appeals court may restrict Apple monitor's duties

Federal appeals judges in New York suggest they may let a court monitor get back to reviewing Apple's antitrust procedures, but they might limit his duties.

A three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments Tuesday. It didn't immediately rule whether the monitor's duties should remain suspended until it hears the merits of Apple Inc.'s challenges to remedies imposed by a judge who found the company violated antitrust laws.

The trial judge had concluded that the Cupertino, Calif.-based company colluded with book publishers to raise electronic book prices.

Appeals court Judge Gerald Lynch says it may decide to spell out what the monitor can do if he is allowed to resume duties. The monitor's work was temporarily suspended two weeks ago so the appeals panel could consider the issue.

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