Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has won key roles on two high-profile disputes involving US tech giant Apple, as the company goes head-to-head with both Samsung and the US Department of Justice (DoJ).

The magic circle firm is advising Apple on its design infringement claim against Samsung, as it attempts prevent its tech rival from selling its Galaxy tablet across Europe in light of alleged similarities to its iPad.

London intellectual property (IP) partner Justin Watts is leading the Freshfields team alongside Simon Thorley QC of Three New Square, while Simmons & Simmons is advising Samsung led by IP partner David Stone, with Henry Carr QC from 11 South Square instructed as counsel.

The case, which is set to go to trial in June this year, comes after Apple has already launched claims against Samsung in Germany and the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Freshfields is also advising publishing group Hachette on a battle with the DoJ that emerged last week, after the US Government accused Apple and and number of major publishers of colluding over the pricing of e-books.

The Freshfields team is being led by Washington DC antitrust partner Paul Yde and New York litigation partner Walter Stuart.

Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom is advising HarperCollins led by New York antitrust partner Clifford Aronson, while Sidley Austin is acting for Macmillan with New York litigation partner Joel Mitnick, and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld is representing Penguin led by Washington antitrust partner Daniel McInnis.

Simon & Schuster is being advised by Proskauer Rose New York litigation partner Helene Jaffe, while Apple has instructed O'Melveny & Myers DC antitrust partner Richard Parker.

Hachette, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster have all reached settlements with the DoJ, while Apple, Penguin and Macmillan have opted to pursue the case.