ACS:Law might be back in business

ERSTWHILE DOWNLOADER CHASER ACS:Law could be back in business, according to a report at the BBC.

The firm made its name by accusing people of illegal filesharing, with scant evidence, and then trying to shake them down for money. This went down as well in Britain as a French comedian whose sole act is to mock the Queen. As the public turned against the law firm so did the courts and the Information Commissioners Office.

Declared a bankrupt, Andrew Crossley, the sole proprietor of ACS:Law, appeared to just slink off. But it looks like he might have slunk off with a wad of paperwork and plans to set up shop elsewhere.

The BBC has spoken to Ralli Solicitors, which represented some of the people targeted by ACS:Law, and it said that it still working for some of them, though this time in Greece.

"They have received e-mails purporting to be from the law firm," Ralli solicitor Michael Forrester told the BBC.

"The IP addresses quoted do not appear conventional, making reference to country codes outside of the UK. Despite this, the letters of claim refer to UK law under the Copyrights, Design and Patents Act."

The BBC has seen a sample of the letters sent out to Greece-based internet users and reported that they claim to be acting as solicitors for Digiprotect, a copyright holder, and demand a payment of £1,665. Not paying this fine could result in a court appearance, the letter explains.

Although the letters and the style of business ape those of Crossley and his company in the UK, they could be the work of an imposter, added Forrester. µ