Stefan Fairburn

Stefan Fairburn

Patent Scientist

York

Having completed a Ph.D. in Molecular Plant and Agricultural Biology in 2019, Stefan Fairburn began a career in IP in the Netherlands, spending 2 years working in private practice in Nijmegen. Having learnt some of the Dutch language, and a lot about European Patent Law, Stefan returned to the UK in 2022, working briefly in pharmaceutical drug development, before returning to IP with Murgitroyd in June 2022.

Stefan has a wide knowledge base, with experience working with CRISPR, immunology, fluorescent probes, protein biology, nucleic acid biology, along with mathematical modelling during his academic career. This is supported by experience working in IP in Europe, working with clients ranging from start-ups to multinationals and working to help patent a variety of inventions, from nucleic acid markers to drug delivery systems. Stefan also has experience carrying out FTOs across Europe, and also completed an internship in technology transfer at the University of Nottingham, Ningbo Campus in China, gaining vital experience in working with spin outs.

Stefan is based in our York Office.


  • Molecular
  • Biology
  • Genetics
  • CRISPR technologies
  • Gene-editing
  • Agricultural science
  • Plant variety rights

Key contributor to our Life Sciences & Healthcare Team awarded Gold by the Financial Times

Financial Times European Leading Patent Law Firms, combined Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Food & Healthcare awards - 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 & 2024

Stefan does a good job of connecting non-US jurisdiction strategies to our US strategy.

Senior Counsel, Agribusiness Company

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