Apple exec Eddy Cue (left) was accused of orchestrating the price-fixing scheme.

The judge overseeing Apple's ebooks price-fixing case has indicated that she will not crack down on the company as hard as the US government has requested, but she also said she was disappointed that Apple has not shown remorse. For that reason, US District Judge Denise Cote suggested that when she makes her final ruling she will require that a third-party monitors Apple in order to ensure that the company doesn't violate antitrust laws in the future.

"The record at trial demonstrated a blatant and aggressive disregard at Apple for the requirements of the law," Cote said in court yesterday. "Apple executives used their considerable skills to orchestrate a price-fixing scheme that significantly raised the prices of ebooks ... Apple has been given several opportunities to demonstrate to this court that it has taken the lessons of this litigation seriously. I am disappointed to say that it has not taken advantage of those opportunities."