09/03/2026
AIPLA is pleased to feature Usha Parker in our September member spotlight. Usha is a patent prosecutor at Perilla Knox & Hildebrandt and a former chair of AIPLA’s Electronic and Computer Law Committee (ECLC). She has a background in electrical engineering and has drafted applications in a variety of areas including cellular and satellite communications, autonomous vehicle systems, artificial intelligence (AI), electrical circuits and systems, and medical devices. Get to know Usha:
❓What is your hobby/what do you like doing outside of work?
💡I’m learning to play the guitar (specifically, the Boston song “Peace of Mind”). I had never played any instrument, but both of my children are guitarists, so I asked them to teach me. I’ve found that I enjoy the guitar almost as much as I enjoy frustrating my instructors.
❓What is your favorite part about being an AIPLA member?
💡I appreciate all the opportunities to participate rather than just attend, because the connections that are forged through working together to plan a program or event are not easily replicated through other networking activities. In fact, my collaborations with fellow former ECLC chair Jason Perilla played a large part in my decision to join the firm that he co-founded.
❓Why did you choose to become an IP practitioner?
💡After almost 15 years working as an engineer, I went to law school for a change, with no thought of pursuing patent law at all. I spent my IL summer at a general practice firm (now Squire Patton Boggs) and, when I heard the 2L summers discussing their preference for corporate law or litigation, I realized I didn’t feel a particular connection to either, despite enjoying the projects I’d worked on in both areas. I split my 2L summer between Squire and an IP boutique. The work and the environment of patent prosecution just made sense intuitively. All these years later, I think about the breadth of inventions I’ve prosecuted and am amused by the fact that I know much more about many more areas of technology than I ever would have as a working electrical engineer.
❓What advice would you give to younger members/new practitioners?
💡There are real and sometimes unavoidable pressures to sideline instruction for expedience. But, you have to take ultimate responsibility for ensuring that you’re building your competency as a practitioner. Have faith that you will eventually be more helpful to your firm and to your clients if you sometimes slow the process now by asking questions or looking into more information to fully understand an issue.
