Andrew Crossley nominated for ISPA Internet Villain award

Controversial solicitor Andrew Crossley, former owner of ACS Law, is among the nominees for an ISPA (Internet Service Providers' Association) award.

The trade body for internet service providers has announced the shortlist for its annual Internet Hero and Villain awards.

Following suggestions from the public, ISPA has shortlisted Judge Colin Birss QC for the Hero award for his handling of the ACS Law copyright cases and damning judgement against the law firm. Also up for this award is Professor Ian Hargreaves for his recent recommendations for making IP fit for the digital age.

So it is not surprising therefore to see Andrew Crossley up for the award for Internet Villain of the year for, as ISPA says, bringing the legal profession "into disrepute" with speculative invoicing.

Also in the shortlist for villainy is the New Zealand Government for being the latest country to implement a three-strikes rule into law. This means people who have infringed copyright more than three times can be taken to a Copyright Tribunal.

This year was the first time that ISPA had asked for suggestions from the public for these lighthearted accolades and it said that "there were many suggestions on Twitter, comment pages and via email".

The winners will be chosen by the ISPA Council and announced at a black-tie event on the 7 July.