Babak Akhlaghi

Babak Akhlaghi is the Founder and Managing Director of NovoTech Patent Firm, where he leads the firm’s Washington, D.C. office and advises technology companies on building investor‑grade patent portfolios that support fundraising, growth, and competitive advantage. A registered patent attorney with deep experience in advanced technologies—including AI, machine learning, quantum computing, software‑driven hardware, robotics, and blockchain, Babak focuses on strategic patent preparation, prosecution, and long‑term portfolio design. He is also a permanent Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland, where he teaches Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship, and a co‑author of the Patent Applications Handbook, published annually by West Publications (Clark Boardman Division) since 1992. His work includes helping founders turn complex innovations into patents that withstand investor scrutiny and create meaningful business leverage.

Patent Law Experience

With a robust background in patent law, Babak has prepared and prosecuted patent applications across a wide range of industries, including electrical and mechanical arts, analog and digital circuits, computer software, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), quantum computing, internet-driven technologies, semiconductor structures, mechanical designs, automotive innovations, power supplies, communications, signal processing, financial services, optics, and network systems and security. His extensive experience also includes patent reexaminations for both Patent Owners and Third-Party Requesters, counseling clients on patent licensing negotiations, drafting patent licensing agreements, and conducting patent validity, enforceability, and infringement studies.

Academic Contributions

In addition to his legal practice, Babak is a permanent adjunct professor at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he teaches Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship. This role allows him to share his expertise with the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the legal knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of intellectual property and business law.

Legal and Technical Background

Babak’s legal career includes serving as a Partner at McDermott Will & Emery in Washington, D.C., working as an Associate at Fish & Richardson in Washington, D.C., and gaining in-house counsel experience at Panasonic Corporation in Osaka, Japan, where he developed valuable insights into corporate patent strategies. He has also contributed to his community through pro bono work at the Landlord-Tenant Resource Center in Washington, D.C. Before entering the legal field, Babak gained technical experience as a radio frequency technician.

Education and Academic Achievements

Babak earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, magna cum laude, from the University of Maryland, graduating first in his class. He earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Houston Law Center, where he also served as an article editor for the Houston Business & Tax Law Journal.

Additional Credentials

Babak is a certified mediator with experience mediating lawsuits in the local courts of Houston, Texas. He is admitted to practice in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Recognition

Babak has been recognized as a Super Lawyer every year since 2019. He has also earned a “Superb” rating on both Avvo and Justia, further highlighting his dedication to excellence and client satisfaction.