A recent NLJ story, “Cozen O’Connor Sues Ex-Clients for $500K in Fees,” reports that Cozen O’Connor claims two former clients failed to pay more than $500,000 in legal fees and costs for the firm’s work on patent matters for nearly two years.  Cozen files a suit in the District of Columbia Superior Court against Lingware Inc. and LiveChrime Inc., which are run by the same chief executive officer and provide “internet-based productivity tools,” according to the complaint.

The two companies separately hired Cozen to work on various patent matters beginning in April 2012.  Washington-based partner Louis Heidelberger was responsible for the Linqware and LiveChime business.  The firm handed patent matters for the two companies in the U.S. and overseas, according to the complaint.

Linqware and LiveChime “quickly fell behind in their payments,” the firm claimed.  Cozen says LiveChime owes $148,660 for work between April 2012 and April 2014, and Linqware owes $386,211 for work during the same period.  Cozen asked the court for permission to file the suit under seal, arguing it included “confidential business and attorney-client information.”  A judge denied that request.