John Fairbairn has joined the firm's international Intellectual property team in Sydney. He was previously a partner at Clayton Utz for four years.   

Fairbairn's intellectual property practice is focused on the media, technology and life sciences sectors.

His expertise in the interaction of copyright law and emerging technologies in Australia is recognised by peers and highly valued by clients in the broadcasting, computing, and telecommunications industries, Minters said in a statement. 

"The convergence of the technology, media and telecommunications industries is central to his copyright advisory, licensing and enforcement work for clients. He is a trusted advisor to key participants in the broadcasting industry and has particular experience in large-scale music industry disputes," the firm said. 

With dual qualifications in law and science, Fairbairn has experience representing clients in multi-jurisdictional patent disputes particularly in the life sciences sector.  

He has also handled headline disputes for iconic brands in the broadcasting, pharmaceutical advertising, computing and mining industries, and is sought out for his expertise by organisations with substantial intellectual property interests, Minters said. 

Commenting on the appointment, Minter Ellison's chief executive partner, John Weber, said Fairbairn was the eighth lateral partner appointed by the firm since October 2010, a response to burgeoning client demand, he said.   

"We are delighted to welcome John to Minter Ellison. He has handled some of the most significant IP-related disputes in Australia in recent times and has an outstanding track record of success," Weber said. 

"We continue to attract stars to our team because we have a clear strategy and are able to provide our clients with a leading full service offering to support their business goals."