WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Federal Communications Commission on Friday asked the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals to transfer a series of industry legal challenges to its decision to reinstate landmark net neutrality rules to a federal court in Washington, D.C.

The Cincinnati-based 6th Circuit was randomly selected after legal challenges were filed in seven circuit courts. The FCC asked that the case be transferred to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, saying, "It would be most efficient, and in the interest of justice."

Separately, the FCC on Friday rejected a request by industry groups representing AT&T ( T ), Comcast ( CMCSA ), Verizon and others to halt its order from taking effect on July 22.