From CNET and the department of "we knew this was coming":
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57...trust-monitor/
Yes, Apple, that is exactly how antitrust monitoring works. Just ask Bill Gates.
Should've settled, dudes...
Quote:
Following Apple's loss in court earlier this year, Judge Denise Cote tapped former Assistant US Attorney and Justice Department Inspector General Michael Bromwich to keep tabs on the company for the next two years. Bromwich's job as a monitor is to work from inside Apple to maintain the company's compliance with US antitrust laws.
But now the two sides are having a hard time seeing eye to eye. That's not surprising, considering that Apple is known for its culture of secrecy, and Bromwich hails from a different background. He filled a similar, independent monitor role within the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia a little more than a decade ago, and more recently served as part of US oversight on the oil industry.
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Turns out they didn't know what the going rates are for experienced antitrust monitors, a very specialized skill set. And they don't like his attitude. Apparently he isn't deferential enough.
Quote:
In addition, Apple complained that Bromwich has stepped out of line, "operating in an unfettered and inappropriate manner." The company claimed that Bromwich's requests to interview executives and board members, including Tim Cook, Al Gore, and Jony Ive, were "premature" and not in accordance with the judge's order.
Bromwich, for his part, isn't too thrilled with Apple either. In a letter to Apple's board of directors, he complained that Apple hasn't been complying with his requests. "Our requests to meet with key Apple personnel have been largely ignored, and when not ignored the responses have been extremely slow in coming," he wrote.
He briefly mentioned the disagreement over fees, but much of the letter reiterates his disappointment with the company. "Apple has sought for the past month to manage our relationship as though we are its outside counsel or consultant, to whom it can dictate terms and conditions, and whose approval is required before we can undertake our work," he wrote.
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They're already complaining to the judge.
Since the monitoring is for two years, with extra years to be added as needed, I could see the Judge answering by adding a third year.
They still don't get it.
Antitrust monitoring means he sees everything he wants to see when he ones to see it.
He is The Boss of you.
Even the BPHs knew enough to avoid it and settle.