Rule 2003 Defenses, Counterclaims and Setoffs

If someone sues you, the fact that they are the "real party in interest" (meaning the actual person or company with the legal right to bring the case) does not take away any defenses you have.

You can still fight back the same way you could against anyone else who might have sued you. This includes counterclaims, where you sue them back, and setoffs, where you reduce what you owe because they owe you something too. The rule protects your right to use all of these options no matter who brings the case against you.