Fairbairn comes to Minters from Clayton Utz, where he was a partner for more than four years, with his intellectual property practice focused on the media, technology and life sciences sectors.

With dual qualifications in law and science, Fairbairn has significant experience in large-scale music industry disputes and multi-jurisdictional patent disputes, particularly in the life sciences sector. He has advised on 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.

The convergence of the technology, media and telecommunications industries is central to Fairbairn's copyright advisory, licensing and enforcement work.

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