Which? files complaint against Davenport Lyons
Consumer advocacy group brands action against suspected game file-sharers "excessive" and "bullying"
Which?, the consumer advocacy group, has struck out at Davenport Lyons and issued a complaint against the firm with the Solicitors Regulatory Authority.
Earlier this year, Davenport Lyons was charged with pursuing suspected file-sharers on behalf of five UK publishers. In pursuit of suspected pirates, the solicitors mailed out thousands of letters demanding a one off payment or face escalating legal challenges and higher costs.
Which? brands the letters as "bullying" and "excessive", saying that Davenport Lyons makes incorrect assertions about the nature of copyright infringement, ignores the evidence presented in defence, and increases the level of compensation claimed over the period of correspondence. Which? also says the letters incorrectly claim that the recipients' failure to properly secure an internet connection is grounds for legal action.
"We think the SRA needs to take urgent action against Davenport Lyons," said Which? head of legal affairs, Deborah Prince.
"In the current financial climate, we expect an increase in the action that companies may want to take against individuals. The SRA must investigate all such allegations and take decisive action where necessary."
This comes after Davenport Lyon's defended its stance in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz last September, saying that publishers risked encouraging piracy if they didn't protect their intellectual property through legal action.