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Babak Akhlaghi
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NovoTech Patent Firm
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.
- Intellectual Property
- Patents
- Patent Appeals, Patent Litigation, Patent Prosecution
- Intellectual Property, Media & Technology
- Patent Prosecution
- Skype
- Zoom
- Microsoft Teams
- WebEx
- Free Consultation
- District of Columbia
- District of Columbia Bar
- ID Number: 987085
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- English: Spoken, Written
- Farsi: Spoken, Written
- 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
- -
- DC Advisory Member
- iBRIDGE
- -
- Partner
- McDermott Will & Emery LLP
- -
- Attorney Volunteer at Landlord-Tenant Resource Center
- Superior Court of DC
- -
- In-House Counsel
- Panasonic
- -
- Associate
- McDermott Will & Emery LLP
- -
- Associate
- Fish & Richardson P.C.
- -
- University of Houston Law Center
- J.D. (2005)
- cum laude
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- University of Maryland - College Park
- B.S. (2002) | Electrical Engineering
- magna cum laude
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- 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.
- District of Columbia bar # 987085
- Member
- - Current
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- 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
- 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.
- 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
The Patent Process Explained in 60 Seconds
- Q. How to handle potential patent infringement for sun visor extender?
- A: This is a good question. The key issue is not whether the other party has a patent, but whether their product infringes on the claims of your patent. To determine this, you need to carefully compare their product to the specific claims outlined in your patent. If their product matches any of your claims, they may be infringing, regardless of whether they hold a patent. If their product does not align with your claims, then they are not infringing.
To address this potential issue, you should consider consulting with a patent attorney who can help you analyze the product and provide legal guidance on enforcing your patent rights if necessary. I hope this helps!
- Q. Legal issues in manufacturing custom "magic 8 ball" with unique answers and branding?
- A: Based on my limited review, the patent family for Mattel's "Magic 8 Ball" patents appears to be either abandoned or expired. You can reference this here: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov/applications/10139148/continuity?application=. For patents that are abandoned or expired, there should be no concerns regarding infringement related to manufacturing and selling your custom product. However, please note that this review was not exhaustive, and I cannot confirm whether Mattel holds other patents related to this product.
Aside from patents, you should be aware of other important legal considerations, particularly those relating to trademarks and copyrights.
From a trademark ... Read More
- 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 ... Read More
