I refer you to the reply given in the case "Arkell v. Pressdram" ,1971 ....

Wow the lawyers have set the "lawyers-who-police-the-lawyers" onto the lawyers. Can anyone see the problem here?

.. in Davenport Lyons are publically beheaded in Trafalgar Square. No treial - they're as guilty as sin.

This would cheer a lot of people up in these dark recessionary times as well as getting rid of scum that our world can do without.

Sounds like it so far.

Everyone here knows the intricacies of trying to determine blame (for copyright infringement) based on IP address, so I won't bother going into that.

I can't wait until someone points out that 'using P2P <> copyright-infringing sharing', and see the puzzled look on the lawyers faces.

I wonder how they will justify an infringement penalty raising over time 'well it does cost us £500 a letter you know'?

It's a real shame that defense lawyers aren't free, that would probably help with fraudulent accusations.

If someone dies from a heart-attack (or whatever) from reading one of these letter does that make DL complicit to murder?

Anyway I hope that DL have to pay compensation for those who have been falsely accused because DL thinks that bullying people for money is acceptable.

ttfn

Bye bye shakedown merchants. I don't think Atari will be the last client to desert Davenport Lyons, this is going to blow up nicely in their faces. Anyhow back to TBP

Finally, a consumer group gets involved and makes some valid criticisms about this heinous bullying tactic... Early days for sure - but what happens if Which?'s complaint is upheld and Davenport Lyon's are told to pack it in?

If failing to secure a Wi-Fi access point is no longer grounds for legal action, then does that mean it becomes a valid defence?

I expect financial penalties and disbarment to hurt them far more than beheading. Then the monies recouped from those financial penalties could be distributed amongst those who have suffered at the hands of Davenport Lyons' despicable practices.

The point Mark_T has raised makes me think they will suffer no more than some minor finger wagging in their direction, augmented by a few looks of disapproval. When in all reality the practice and offices should be shut down.

reported to Police, or even better pop down to our local Magistrates Court and issue a Summons

yourself (its easy really easy just write a letter to Clerk of Court detailing what offence, offender etc and he will then issue and serve a Summons on them ) under the section 1 of the Malicious Communications Act 1998 http://www.neiladdison.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/comm.htm

That will at least get matter determined. Also please note: that ANY third party (hint hint TheRegister) is allowed to issue a Summons even if they are not a party ,believe it or not.

Every ecosystem has parasites.

What do you call 100 lawyers at the bottom of the sea?

A good start.

Dammit- now I'm going that have that Kate Bush song stuck in my head for the rest of the day.

I worked for the SRA a while - take it from me, Davenport Lyons is in pretty hot water... It was obvious that somebody was going to complain sooner or later. Still, I'm guessing they wouldn't pull a stunt that stupid without having a way to wriggle out of it.

NO!

404 is the internets way of telling you to F**k Off.

The common use of 404 as far as I and my colleagues are concerned is F**k Off.

telecine

p.s. Paris ... cos she likes to 404

"distressed pensioners being accused of illegal filesharing of movies such as Army Fuckers"

what maked you assume that pensioners can't be gay? that's just racialist ....

"I expect financial penalties and disbarment to hurt them far more than beheading. "

Yes, but where's the fun in that? Let's put that empty plinth in Trafalgar Square to good use and spread a little Christmas cheer to all but Davenport Lyons.

@Paul Murphy

seek on the internet you shall find the means of determining the sharer you shall see.

@ theotherone

sexist you must mean, racialist in incorrect it seems