National firm Ralli is seeking to pursue a group action for harassment against London firm ACS Law in relation to the handling of file-sharing cases.

Ralli has called for individuals to contact the firm if they have received what it claims are ‘bullying’ letters from ACS Law.

The legal action concerns letters sent by intellectual property lawyer Andrew Crossley, principal at ACS Law, in relation to alleged illegal sharing of films, games and songs over the internet.

Ralli claims the letters sent by ACS demanded that recipients pay compensation, typically a sum of £500, or otherwise face being taken to court.

Michael Forrester, a solicitor in Ralli’s intellectual property and harassment team, said: ‘The legal basis for the claims being made against these alleged file sharers involves complex legal and technical principles. These are extremely difficult for a lay person to understand and can often mean an innocent person is being pursued.

‘It can be incredibly upsetting for people to receive such letters and they may well have a claim of harassment against ACS Law, so I am urging them to come forward.’

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has referred Crossley to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, following an investigation which was triggered by complaints made to the SRA by consumer group Which? and others.

Crossley said the letters sent by his firm were measured, and did not amount to bullying or harassment. He added: ‘We are operating in full compliance with the SRA Code of Conduct. We are acting on instructions from clients who have a legitimately held belief that an infringement of their copyright has occurred.’