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Babak Akhlaghi

Babak Akhlaghi

NovoTech Patent Firm
  • Intellectual Property, Patents
  • District of Columbia
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Biography

I serve as an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland, where I teach about the legal aspects of entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on Intellectual Property and Patents. I am also a registered patent attorney and the Managing Director at NovoTech Patent Firm, operating out of the Washington, D.C., office. Additionally, I am a co-author of the "Patent Applications Handbook," which is updated annually and published by West Publications.

My professional activities primarily involve patent preparation and prosecution, particularly in the fields of electrical engineering and computer science. This includes securing patents in areas such as AI, machine learning, medical devices, semiconductors, and mobile applications. I have a wealth of experience in patent reexaminations and have provided advice to clients on matters of patent licensing, validity, enforceability, and infringement.

Previously, I held positions as a Partner at McDermott Will & Emery and as an Associate at Fish & Richardson, both located in Washington, D.C. I also worked as in-house counsel at Panasonic Corporation in Osaka, Japan, and have engaged in pro bono work at the Landlord-Tenant Resource Center in D.C. My technical background is supported by my experience as a radio frequency technician.

I earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland, where I graduated top of my class. During law school, I served as an article editor for the Houston Business & Tax Law Journal. I am admitted to practice in Maryland, D.C., and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Since 2019, I have been recognized as a Super Lawyer.

Practice Areas
Intellectual Property
Patents
Patent Appeals, Patent Litigation, Patent Prosecution
Additional Practice Areas
  • Intellectual Property, Media & Technology
  • Patent Prosecution
Fees
  • Free Consultation
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
District of Columbia
District of Columbia Bar
ID Number: 987085
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Farsi: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Managing Director
NovoTech Patent Firm
- Current
As the Managing Director of NovoTech Patent Firm, I have the privilege of working with a diverse clientele, ranging from established industry leaders to innovative startups. My specialization in patent preparation and prosecution spans fields like electrical engineering and computer science, where I've successfully secured patents in advanced areas such as AI, machine learning, medical devices, semiconductors, and mobile applications. I offer comprehensive guidance on patent reexamination, patent licensing, validity, enforceability, and infringement. By safeguarding my clients' inventions, I enable them to concentrate on innovation and market growth, ensuring their breakthroughs are shielded against infringement. This strategic protection not only strengthens their competitive advantage but also fuels substantial growth and success.
Education
University of Houston Law Center
J.D
cum laude
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University of Maryland
B.S
magna cum laude
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Awards
Super Lawyers
Superlawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2019 - 2024. The Super Lawyers selection process is peer influenced and research driven, selecting the top 5% of attorneys to the Super Lawyers lists each year.
Three Best Rated Attorney in Washington, DC
Three Best Rated
Top 3 Patent Attorney in Washington. All selected patent attorney undergo a 50-Point Inspection, covering reviews, reputation, history, complaints, and more for overall excellence.
Professional Associations
District of Columbia bar  # 987085
Member
- Current
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Patent Applications Handbook
Clark Boardman Callaghan Publications
The Patent Term Adjustment Dilemma in an Obviousness-Type Double Patenting Analysis
INNOVATE Magazine
Decoding Reasonable Expectation of Success in Obviousness Determination
IP Litigator
Decoding Reasonable Expectation of Success in Obviousness Determination
INNOVATE Magazine
The Patent Term Adjustment Dilemma in an Obviousness-Type Double Patenting Analysis
IP Litigator
Transcending Abstract Concepts: A Comprehensive Understanding of Patent Eligibility
IP Litigator
Speaking Engagements
2025 AIPLA Patent Prosecution Boot Camp, Conference, Arlington, VA
American Intellectual Property Law Associate (AIPLA)
Register today and don't miss out! The 2025 Patent Prosecution Boot Camp is a comprehensive, CLE-accredited seminar that includes instructional lecture-style sessions with practical tips on U.S. and international patent preparation and prosecution, as well as hands-on interactive workshops that will walk you through drafting claims and responding to office actions.
Engineering Your Future: Patent Law Careers and Building Your Own Business, Lecture, Raleigh, North Carolina
North Carolina State University
At NCSU, I shared my transition from engineer to patent attorney and entrepreneur, illustrating how technical skills can thrive in patent law. I discussed paths for engineers to become patent agents, the role of patents in scaling startups, and real-world success stories. Attendees left with actionable strategies to explore careers at the intersection of technology, law, and entrepreneurship, inspired to harness their innovation potential.
Websites & Blogs
Website
NovoTech Patent Firm
Website
Managing Director
Blog
The Patent Pulse
Legal Answers
1 Questions Answered
Q. Can I update and regain protection for a lapsed patent in Florida?
A: I understand you are seeking guidance regarding your original patent, which expired 10 years ago due to unpaid renewal fees. You noted that you never attempted to renew or modify the patent but are now considering updates that significantly enhance the device’s functionality without introducing new technology.

Please note that once a patent expires for unpaid fees, it cannot be reinstated after such a long time. However, if your proposed improvements are substantial and meet the patentability requirements—specifically, novelty, usefulness, and non-obviousness—you may be eligible to file a new patent application for these advancements. It is perfectly acceptable that your updates don’t involve new technology. What matters is that the proposed changes or combinations are new and non-obvious. This holds true even if the combination involves known technologies. The standard focuses on whether the proposed combination is novel and whether it would have been obvious to someone skilled in the relevant field. If your improvements meet this standard, they fulfill the patentability criteria. I hope this helps. ... Read More
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Contact & Map
NovoTech Patent Firm
1717 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Suite 1025
Washington, DC 20006
US
Toll-Free: (202) 559-9159
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 AM (Today)
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed