LEE COUNTY, N.C. — A small Sanford company has discovered out how to make a less expensive toner cartridge for another company's printer, but that company is suing, saying it is not fair.

Officials with Static Control say the component it makes allows consumers to buy remanufactured printer cartridges at a discount, but in December, Lexmark International, the second largest printer maker in the world, sued Static Control alleging patent infringement.

"I have never seen a more outrageous example of corporate greed at the consumer's expense," said Ed Swartz, chief executive officer for Static Control. "Lexmark wants to contort copyright law to create a legalized monopoly."

A judge is expected to rule by the end of the month whether to grant a preliminary injunction that would stop Static Control from making or selling the component.