Continuous Composites Inc., of Coeur d'Alene, has filed a counterclaim in U.S. District Court in Spokane that disputes an earlier claim for attorney fees by Lee & Hayes PC.

The 3D manufacturer states in the counterclaim that the Spokane law firm had agreed to legal fees of up to $3 million for representation in a patent infringement case, the company announced in a press release.

Last month, Lee & Hayes filed a lawsuit stating it is owed over $7 million for its work in the patent infringement case, which was settled in Continuous Composites' favor for $25 million to be paid by the defendant Markforged Holding Corp.

Continuous Composites CEO Steve Starner says in the press release that the company has acted in good faith with the law firm.

According to the counterclaim, a partner representing Lee & Hayes confirmed in writing that the firm’s board had agreed to accept $3 million “in full and complete satisfaction” of all fees incurred representing Continuous Composites against its case against Markforged. 

“The firm has since gone back on their word to demand more money through a lawsuit,” Starner argues. “We are confident the courts will agree with our position because the facts are clear.”