Lawyers rally support for illegal file-sharing accused

UK law firm Ralli Solicitors LLP claims letters sent from ACS: Law Solicitors (ACS Law) to people suspected of illegal file sharing may constitute unlawful harassment, and the recipients may be entitled to compensation.

The law firm is now urging people who have received these letters to contact it as it now seeks to pursue group action for harassment on their behalf against ACS Law.

Michael Forrester, a lawyer with Ralli’s intellectual property and harassment teams, told Computeractive that the majority of people who had contacted him said they were entirely innocent of copyright infringement.

"Many people are so embarrassed just telling us about files they are alleged to have downloaded and shared, I cannot see them wanting to draw further attention to the issue if they were not innocent.

"These people are extremely distressed. People have told us of fights between partners, numerous sleepless nights, and visits to their GPs because of the stress.

"We have been informed that even though people have explained how it cannot possibly be them, they are often still pursued," he said.

The letters at the heart of this case are sent out by ACS Law on behalf of its clients, who are – or work on behalf of – copyright holders in the music, movie and adult industries.

They allege that the recipients have broken copyright law by illegally downloading and sharing content from file sharing sites.

The letters reportedly offer them the chance to pay compensation or face the possibility of legal action.

Andrew Crossley of ACS Law dismissed the claim of harassment, and said he was still working with his clients and sending letters.

“We are not harassing anyone. I do not accuse people of copyright infringement or demand money.

"We do offer a compromise; the chance for people who have infringed copyright to come to an agreement with the copyright holder but this is not demanding money.

"And I always advise people to seek legal advice,” he told us.

He added that he believed Ralli’s actions amounted to “a wrongful interference with a lawful business.”

Ralli’s Mr Forrester said that recipients of the letters could contact him at harassment@ralli.co.uk for a free assessment of their harassment case and get the chance to join any group action.

“Legally and technically it is an extremely complex area which is hard for the lay person to understand. I urge anyone who has received these letters from any firm to get in contact with us.”