Going to the ITC first is a well established mode of operation. It's hard to fault the process that's worked for many others in the past.

If the ITC denies the appeal, then the district court cases will move forward. Those courts may or may not give deference to the claim construction of the ITC. If they do not, and a company that loses in the district court appeals, then the CAFC will give deference to the claim construction of the ITC. Who know where that could end up. An ITC reversal is key for Patriot.