In its precedential order in Apple Inc v Fintiv, Inc, the US Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) clarified its approach to whether to deny institution of a postgrant proceeding under 35 USC section 314 based on a co-pending district court proceeding. The March 2020 Fintiv order was controversial and provoked a spirited response from stakeholders. This included a federal lawsuit in August 2020 by several of Silicon Valley's heavy hitters, who alleged that the so-called "NHK-Fintiv rule" 1 is "procedurally invalid". The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) requested comments on the NHK Fintiv rule and designated two NHK-Fintiv related decisions precedential. The Fintiv order and its aftermath