Ilya has a Masters Degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University, specialising in physics and having conducted research within the field of medical imaging. He qualified as a Patent Attorney in 1996, and holds a Certificate in Intellectual Property from London University. He has significant experience in electrical, electronic, communications and computing technologies, and previously worked at IBM, where he was involved in the development of network communications software.

Ilya specialises in drafting and prosecuting patent applications for information technology inventions, both hardware and software, and has detailed knowledge of networking and communications technologies, video and audio processing and transmission and electronics, particularly power and control electronics used in micro-generation, grid-tie and charge control.  He also handles subject matter of a more mechanical nature including heat pumps and turbines, and has extensive experience of medical devices, particularly electrosurgical devices and catheters.

Ilya obtained first-hand experience of US patent law and practice within a major Silicon Valley law firm, which now enables him to provide his clients with comprehensive advice as to how to obtain the maximum level of worldwide protection for their technology.

As well as extensive experience of European Patent Office opposition and appeal proceedings, Ilya has been involved in commercial dispute resolution within formal mediation proceedings. He also advises on exploitation and licensing and on strategic portfolio development.