Iain works on patents primarily in the telecommunications and computer-implemented invention spaces. He has worked with clients in many sectors, including data security, computer networks, telecommunications (in particular mobile telecommunications), artificial intelligence and machine learning, video codecs, audio hardware, fashion-tech and musical instrument accessories. He has a seat on the Computer Technology Committee of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys and contributed to the chapter on the patentability of computer-related inventions in the European Patents Handbook for several years.

Iain advises on all aspects of design protection and has contributed to the chapter in the Community Designs Handbook on filing Registered Community Design applications. He previously worked as an IP consultant for an innovation consultancy in Cambridge.

Iain has a creative and entrepreneurial side having co-founded a start-up which has developed a specialist online recruitment platform for patent attorneys, Patently Jobvious. This gives Iain first-hand experience of some of the common issues and concerns faced by start-ups in the technology space, with whom he particularly enjoys working. Iain is an Intellectual Property Expert-in-Residence at the Imperial Enterprise Lab (for student entrepreneurs at Imperial College London).

Iain is the author of “How to Pass P3”, the first-ever book on how to pass the UK patent drafting examination. He has tutored and lectured for several years on the subjects of inventive step, patent drafting and amendment of patent applications for JDD, CEIPI and CIPA Informals. He oversaw setting and marking of the amendment paper for qualification as a UK Patent Attorney as a member of the Joint Examination Board. He regularly presents on a wide range of legal topics, including registered designs, European and international patent prosecution and international prior art disclosure requirements.

Iain has a first class degree in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Warwick, where he was awarded a prize for the highest marks on his course.

With a lifelong interest in music, music technology and musical instruments (especially guitars), Iain authors the Patents Rock blog and tweets at @patentsrock. http://www.patentsrock.com.