eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJuYW1laWQiOiIyNTA3ZTQ5Yi0xOTU5LTRlOGMtYTc0ZS02ZjU0ZDJlYTZhNzAiLCJyb2xlIjoiQXBpVXNlciIsIm5iZiI6MTc4MjE5ODMwMSwiZXhwIjoxNzgyMTk5NTAxLCJpYXQiOjE3ODIxOTgzMDEsImlzcyI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm1pbnRlcmVsbGlzb24uY29tL3Blb3BsZS9qb2huLWZhaXJiYWlybiIsImF1ZCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm1pbnRlcmVsbGlzb24uY29tL3Blb3BsZS9qb2huLWZhaXJiYWlybiJ9.3SNMxjqhU_YuSL45Q_kMV5FmEC0ELVEUEBVffUG3p3w
https://www.minterellison.com/people/john-fairbairn
CLOSE
CONTACT US Search Minter Ellison
John Fairbairn
Partner, Sydney
I specialise in resolving complex intellectual property (IP) and data disputes across the media, technology, telecommunications and consumer goods sectors. My practice spans all major forms of IP, with a focus on copyright, trade marks, brand protection, advertising, privacy and regulatory issues arising from digital platforms, AI and online advertising. I provide strategic, commercially grounded advice to help clients protect and enforce their IP and ensure third party IP and data are used lawfully. With dual qualifications in law and science, I bring strong technical insight and a pragmatic, collaborative approach.

My practice spans copyright, trade marks, brand protection, advertising law, privacy, consumer law and technology-related disputes. I regularly advise on trade mark clearance, portfolio management, enforcement strategies and opposition proceedings. I also advise on advertising compliance, including under the Australian Consumer Law, privacy and spam regulation, comparative advertising, influencer marketing and social media advertising campaigns.  I have acted in various high-profile Federal Court proceedings, including landmark cases on online piracy, trade mark infringement and misleading advertising claims.

I also work at the forefront of legal developments in AI and copyright, contributing to law reform initiatives and advising clients on liability risks and licensing frameworks for AI-generated content. My practice extends to trade mark, branding and broader IP issues arising in the context of corporate transactions, licensing and commercialisation. With dual qualifications in law and science, I bring a strong technical understanding to complex matters, combined with a collaborative and pragmatic approach to achieving effective outcomes.

Career highlights

  • Representing leading media and entertainment providers—including subscription video on demand (Stan), subscription TV (Foxtel), free-to-air tv, music and radio services—in multiple Copyright Tribunal disputes with music collecting societies and Screenrights.
  • Representing Foxtel in multiple landmark Federal Court proceedings that blocked access to internet pirate websites.
  • Successfully acting for pharmaceutical (eg Bayer), consumer goods (eg Self Care) and telecommunications companies (eg Optus) in numerous trade mark infringement, brand protection or misleading and deceptive conduct cases before the Federal Court, including disputes involving comparative advertising.
  • Managing significant global trade mark portfolios, including trade mark clearance, registration, enforcement of rights and prosecution of opposition and cancellation proceedings.
  • Representing clients in Anton Piller (search and seizure) orders.
  • Regularly providing pro bono support to arts and cultural organisations, including referrals from the Arts Law Centre of Australia.
  • Member of the Law Council of Australia’s Intellectual Property Committee, INTA, IPSANZ and the Copyright Society.

Awards

  • Chambers Asia Pacific: Leading Individual, Intellectual Property (Trade Mark & Copyright) – 2011- 2025
  • Chambers Global: Ranked, Intellectual Property Australia – 2014 – 2025
  • Legal 500 Asia Pacific: Leading Individual, Intellectual Property – 2021-2025
  • Best Lawyers: Recommended, Intellectual Property Law – 2013-2026
  • Best Lawyers: Recommended, Entertainment Law – 2013-2026
  • Best Lawyers: Recommended, Defamation and Media Law – 2013-2026
  • Who's Who Legal: Thought Leader, Trademarks– 2023-2024
  • Doyles Guide: Recommended Lawyer NSW, Intellectual Property – Contentious – 2024-25
eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJuYW1laWQiOiI3ZjFlMmMxZS0yYWQyLTQ1NjctYjg2MS1kYTkwNmEzZmU5M2UiLCJyb2xlIjoiQXBpVXNlciIsIm5iZiI6MTc4MjE5ODMwMSwiZXhwIjoxNzgyMTk5NTAxLCJpYXQiOjE3ODIxOTgzMDEsImlzcyI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm1pbnRlcmVsbGlzb24uY29tL3Blb3BsZS9qb2huLWZhaXJiYWlybiIsImF1ZCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm1pbnRlcmVsbGlzb24uY29tL3Blb3BsZS9qb2huLWZhaXJiYWlybiJ9.uJGGmdMCNudY66kB3czTc09IV-7eode2RX1Nr4jyvrw
https://www.minterellison.com/people/john-fairbairn

Recent articles by John

© 2026 MinterEllison