I'm also hoping that mediation brings about some sort of settlement ....BUT...IMO if I were the defendants, knowing that the PTO is involved, and knowing these things take almost 2 years to settle, I'd sure as heck do no agreeing at a mediation table hoping then to get the judge to delay the trial till the PTO hands down their re-exam verdict.

I know that's almost worst case scenario, other than a denial at the PTO, but strategies are such IMO for those on the defensive at this point.

And that delay, in not knowing for sure where we stand, will be the cause of PPS stagnation and maybe even erosion.  

A DEMAND for a speedy resolution at the PTO is what we need more than anything now .        jmho