RE:RE:Litigation TimingThe burden of proof regarding the infringement lies with the plaintiff. My suggestion is that the defamation suit is not really a result of the filing of the infringement claim but rather the subsequent press releases made by e-Propelled.
Were that not the case, I am guessing that each and every patent infringement claim would automatically lead to a defamation suit.
That's the basis upon which I think it could be dealt with prior to a conclusion of the Infringement claim.
Good Luck