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Babak Akhlaghi

Babak Akhlaghi

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

As a registered patent attorney and the Managing Director of NovoTech Patent Firm in Washington, D.C., I specialize in delivering comprehensive patent services to clients both within the United States and internationally. I am also the co-author of the "Patent Applications Handbook," an annually updated publication by West Publications that serves as a trusted resource for professionals in the field. Additionally, I serve as an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland, where I teach courses on the legal aspects of entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on Intellectual Property and Patents.

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.
Adjunct Professor
University of Maryland
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DC Advisory Member
iBRIDGE
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Partner
McDermott Will & Emery LLP
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Attorney Volunteer at Landlord-Tenant Resource Center
Superior Court of DC
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In-House Counsel
Panasonic
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Associate
McDermott Will & Emery LLP
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Associate
Fish & Richardson P.C.
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Education
University of Houston Law Center
J.D. (2005)
cum laude
University of Houston Law Center Logo
University of Maryland - College Park
B.S. (2002) | Electrical Engineering
magna cum laude
University of Maryland - College Park Logo
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 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW SEMINAR AND MIDYEAR MEETING, Seminar, Virtual
IP Law Section of Oklahoma Bar Association
2024-2025 Year in Review: Key Patent Prosecution Cases – An Outside Counsel's Perspective
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.
Certifications
Patent Bar Registration
United States Patent and Trademark Office
DC Bar License
District of Columbia Court of Appeals
MD Bar License
Court of Appeals of Maryland
Websites & Blogs
Website
NovoTech Patent Firm
Website
Managing Director
Blog
The Patent Pulse
Legal Answers
6 Questions Answered
Q. How can an AI startup in India patent in the US?
A: You are not required to file in India first; however, since the inventors are based in India, you will need to obtain a foreign filing license from the Indian Patent Office before filing your application in the United States. To streamline this process, it is advisable to begin by working with a local patent law firm in India that can assist you in obtaining this license. They may also be able to refer you to a U.S. patent law firm. Many well-established patent law firms in India have existing relationships with U.S. firms and can help you identify a suitable attorney. Alternatively, you can conduct a traditional Google search or use tools like ChatGPT to find a qualified U.S. patent attorney. Regardless of the method, it is crucial to select an attorney with expertise in artificial intelligence and a technical background in computer science or electrical engineering. Most patent attorneys offer free initial consultations, so take advantage of this to interview multiple candidates and find the best fit for your needs. Some important questions to ask during these consultations include:

What is your experience with patents in the field of AI?

Can you explain your fee structure?

What is the average cost for filing a patent application?

What strategies do you use to minimize costs and maximize the chances of approval?

Since the patent process can take several years from start to finish, it is essential to choose an attorney carefully. Transferring your case to another attorney mid-process can lead to inefficiencies and additional costs.

In addition to technical expertise, consider the attorney’s reputation and client feedback. Ask for references and review their online ratings or testimonials to gain insight into their service quality. You may also want to review their publications or articles, as attorneys who are well-published often stay up-to-date on the latest legal developments and are better equipped to handle complex cases. This is particularly important in the AI field as the patent eligibility criteria is a moving target.

Another way to assess the quality of their work is by asking about their representative clients. Attorneys who represent large corporations with in-house legal teams are typically highly competent, as they are regularly evaluated by these companies.

By carefully selecting a patent attorney with the right expertise, reputation, and chemistry, you can set a strong foundation for successfully navigating the U.S. patent process. I hope this helps!
... Read More
Q. What legal options exist to avoid patent infringement in dropshipping a patented product (US-12053030-B2) in Washington?
A: That is an excellent and timely question. It is much better to address this now during the planning stage than later, after significant investments have been made.

The first question you should be asking is whether your product actually infringes on the patent. While the specification and figures of the patent may suggest potential infringement, infringement is ultimately determined by the claims of the issued patent. The key question is whether your product infringes one or more of the issued claims.

Start by reviewing the independent claims. An independent claim, as the name suggests, stands alone and does not depend on any other claim (for example, claim 1). If your product does not infringe the independent claims, then you should be in the clear.

To make this determination, it is highly recommended that you hire an experienced patent attorney. They can review the claims, your product, and the prosecution history of the patent, and prepare an infringement opinion. This opinion will conclude whether your product likely infringes the issued claims, does not infringe, or if the issue is unclear (for example, due to claim interpretation or validity concerns).

Additionally, the attorney may suggest conducting a freedom-to-operate investigation to identify any other issued patents that could pose a risk. However, keep in mind that a freedom-to-operate analysis can significantly increase costs.

I hope this provides clarity and helps you move forward with your business plans.
... Read More
Q. How to register a patent for a wind turbine in the United States?
A: Mr. Harrison has given an excellent response. I strongly recommend moving forward by hiring an experienced practitioner to draft your patent application. Drafting claims requires specialized expertise, as mistakes can be fatal. Take the time to interview multiple practitioners to find the right fit for your needs. Narrow your options by considering their technical background—such as attorneys with expertise in electrical engineering or mechanical engineering for your invention. Review their credentials, check their reviews, and conduct interviews to assess compatibility. During the interview, feel free to ask if they have worked with wind turbine inventions before. While the patenting process is an exciting journey for any inventor, it is also a lengthy and expensive one. You will be collaborating closely with your attorney, so choosing the right one from the start is important. 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: (866) 935-9570
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Today)
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