Maryland Patent Attorney
Strategic Patent Counsel for Maryland Startups, Entrepreneurs, Innovators, and Technology Companies
If you are searching for a Maryland patent attorney, you need more than someone who can prepare and file a patent application. You need a trusted advisor who understands how patents fit into a broader business strategy and how intellectual property can be used to support growth, attract investment, create barriers to entry, and increase company value.
At NovoTech Patent Firm, we believe that patents are business assets—not simply legal documents. That is why we take a strategy first, filing second approach to intellectual property protection.
Before recommending a patent filing strategy, we seek to understand your technology, competitive landscape, business objectives, funding plans, and long-term vision. By aligning patent protection with business goals, we help our clients build intellectual property portfolios designed to create measurable value.
Whether you are a startup founder, entrepreneur, inventor, emerging growth company, or established business, our Maryland patent attorneys can help you identify, protect, and maximize the value of your innovations.
Why NovoTech Patent Firm Is Different
Many patent firms focus primarily on preparing and filing patent applications.
While obtaining patent protection is important, filing a patent application should not be the starting point of the conversation.
At NovoTech Patent Firm, we begin by asking strategic questions:
- Which innovations are most valuable?
- Which inventions should be patented?
- Which innovations should remain trade secrets?
- How can intellectual property support fundraising?
- How can patents strengthen your competitive advantage?
- What patent strategy best supports long-term business growth?
- Which international markets should be protected?
By answering these questions first, we help clients make more informed intellectual property decisions.
Our focus is not simply obtaining patents. Our focus is helping clients build intellectual property portfolios that create lasting business value.
Maryland Patent Attorneys Serving Innovators Across the State
NovoTech Patent Firm has deep roots in Maryland’s innovation ecosystem.
The firm’s Founder and Director, Babak Akhlaghi, is admitted to practice in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). He is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland, where he teaches courses relating to entrepreneurship and innovation.
Our Maryland practice is further supported by Stephen Becker, a Maryland-based patent attorney admitted in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and before the USPTO.
Together, our attorneys help innovators throughout Maryland protect inventions across a wide range of industries and technologies.
Intellectual Property Strategy for Maryland’s Innovation Economy
Maryland is home to one of the nation’s most vibrant innovation communities.
The state has become a center for:
✔ Artificial intelligence
✔ Cybersecurity
✔Software development
✔ Biotechnology
✔ Medical devices
✔ Healthcare technologies
✔ Telecommunications
✔ Aerospace
✔ Defense technologies
✔ Government contracting
✔ Advanced manufacturing
Many of these businesses operate in highly competitive industries where intellectual property protection can significantly impact funding opportunities, valuation, and long-term growth.
Our attorneys help clients develop intellectual property strategies tailored to their technologies, markets, and business objectives.
Patent Services for Maryland Entrepreneurs and Businesses
Patent Applications
We prepare and prosecute patent applications across numerous technology sectors.
A well-drafted patent application can become one of a company’s most valuable business assets. Our attorneys work closely with inventors to develop patent applications designed to provide meaningful protection while supporting broader business goals.
Provisional Patent Applications
Many Maryland startups and early-stage companies use provisional patent applications to secure an early filing date while continuing product development.
We help clients determine whether a provisional application is appropriate and how it fits within an overall intellectual property strategy.
Patent Portfolio Development
Sophisticated companies rarely rely on a single patent.
Instead, they develop strategic patent portfolios that protect core technologies, future product directions, and key competitive advantages.
Our attorneys help clients identify opportunities to build and strengthen patent portfolios over time.
Patent Prosecution
Obtaining a patent often requires navigating complex interactions with the USPTO.
We assist clients throughout the patent prosecution process, including:
✔ Office Action responses
✔ Examiner interviews
✔ Appeal strategies
✔ Patent application amendments
✔ Continuation strategies
Our goal is to help clients obtain meaningful patent protection while maintaining alignment with business objectives.
International Patent Protection
Many Maryland companies compete in global markets.
We help clients develop international patent strategies through:
✔ Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications
✔ Foreign patent filings
✔ National phase filings
✔ International portfolio management
International patent protection can play a critical role in protecting valuable innovations worldwide.
Patent Attorney for Maryland Startups
Maryland’s startup ecosystem continues to grow rapidly.
From technology startups in Montgomery County and Baltimore to cybersecurity companies near Fort Meade and biotechnology innovators throughout the state, founders face unique intellectual property challenges.
Startups frequently ask:
- Should we file a patent application now?
- What should we protect first?
- How much should we spend on patents?
- Will patents help us raise capital?
- How can patents increase company valuation?
These are strategic business questions—not merely legal questions.
Because many of our clients are startups and emerging growth companies, we regularly help founders develop intellectual property strategies that align with limited budgets and evolving business needs.
Maryland Patent Attorneys for Artificial Intelligence and Software Companies
Artificial intelligence and software technologies often present unique patent challenges.
Questions regarding patent eligibility under Section 101 can significantly impact patent strategy.
Our attorneys regularly assist companies developing innovations involving:
✔ Artificial intelligence
✔ Machine learning
✔ Software platforms
✔ Data processing systems
✔ Cloud computing technologies
✔Cybersecurity solutions
✔ Fintech applications
✔ Enterprise software
✔ Autonomous systems
We focus on identifying technological innovations that may qualify for patent protection and developing strategies designed to maximize patent value.
Biotechnology and Life Sciences Patent Counsel
Maryland is home to numerous biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and medical device companies.
Protecting innovations in these sectors often requires a sophisticated understanding of both technology and intellectual property law.
Our attorneys assist clients with patent protection relating to:
✔ Biotechnology inventions
✔ Medical devices
✔ Diagnostic technologies
✔ Healthcare systems
✔ Pharmaceutical innovations
✔ Laboratory technologies
✔Research tools
Our objective is to help clients secure intellectual property rights that support commercialization efforts and long-term growth.
Thought Leadership and Intellectual Property Education
NovoTech Patent Firm is committed to helping innovators understand intellectual property strategy.
Babak Akhlaghi is a frequent author and educator on topics involving:
✔ Patent strategy
✔ Patent portfolio development
✔ Startup intellectual property planning
✔ Artificial intelligence patents
✔ Software patents
✔ Biotechnology patents
✔ International patent protection
✔ Technology commercialization
He is also a co-author of the Patent Applications Handbook, a respected patent law publication published by Westlaw and updated annually.
Through the firm’s growing collection of articles, videos, and educational resources, NovoTech regularly helps founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators better understand intellectual property issues.
Why Maryland Businesses Choose NovoTech Patent Firm
Clients work with NovoTech Patent Firm because we combine patent prosecution experience with strategic business advice.
Our clients appreciate:
✔ Strategy First. Filing Second.
✔ Start-up focused patent counseling
✔ Business-oriented intellectual property advice
✔ Sophisticated patent portfolio development
✔ Responsive attorney communication
✔ AI, software, and emerging technology experience
✔ Biotechnology and life sciences experience
✔ National and international patent capabilities
We understand that patents should support business growth—not simply fill file cabinets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why hire a Maryland patent attorney?
A Maryland patent attorney can help ensure your inventions are properly protected, your patent applications are strategically drafted, and your intellectual property aligns with your business objectives.
Additionally, Maryland’s proximity to the United States Patent and Trademark Office in neighboring Alexandria, Virginia, provides convenient access to examiner interviews, Patent Trial and Appeal Board proceedings, and other USPTO-related matters when appropriate.
Can software be patented?
In many cases, yes. Patent eligibility depends on the specific technological innovation and how the invention is claimed.
Do startups need patents?
Not every startup needs patents. However, patents can often support fundraising efforts, increase company valuation, strengthen competitive positions, and create licensing opportunities.
How much does a patent application cost?
Patent costs vary depending on the complexity of the invention, filing strategy, technology area, and business objectives.
Should I file a provisional patent application?
A provisional patent application may be appropriate in certain situations. The answer depends on the maturity of the technology, available budget, funding plans, and overall business strategy.
About Babak Akhlaghi
Babak Akhlaghi is the Founding Director of NovoTech Patent Firm. He is a registered patent attorney admitted in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and before the USPTO.
He serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland and is co-author of the Patent Applications Handbook published by Westlaw.
Mr. Akhlaghi has spent more than two decades helping startups, entrepreneurs, emerging growth companies, and established businesses develop patent strategies aligned with business objectives. His practice focuses on helping clients create intellectual property portfolios that support innovation, growth, and long-term value creation.
Contact a Maryland Patent Attorney
If you are looking for an experienced Maryland patent attorney, NovoTech Patent Firm can help.
We work with inventors, startups, entrepreneurs, technology companies, biotechnology innovators, medical device companies, and established businesses throughout Maryland and beyond.
Schedule a consultation to discuss your invention, intellectual property strategy, and business objectives.
