ATSCo sues contractor group over 'atsco' domain names
The Association of Technology Staffing Companies (ATSCo, an agents' representative body), has begun legal proceedings against the Affiliation of Technology Sub-Contractors, a non-profit making IT contractor organisation.
ATSCo (atsco.org) claims that the Affiliation are 'passing off' as them, with respect to the domain names 'atsco.co.uk' and 'atsco.org.uk', stating in a letter from their solicitors that they will 'be seeking an indemnity from [the Affiliation of Technology Sub-Contractors] for damages in respect of its claim, specifically in relation to [the Affiliation's] hosting activities regarding these sites'.
Abby, spokesperson of the Affiliation, told UKTECH "It's groundless. They don't have a leg to stand on. It's a bully boy tactic. They've got deep enough pockets to keep it going until we go bankrupt. Our members would not want us to shut down and not take a stand on this though… we’ll not fold that easily."
Contractor members of the Affiliation are calling the legal action 'unbelievable' and are beginning to put money into a legal fund to fight the proceedings. Contractors have been contacting the Affiliation with messages of support and requests to join since the agents' representative body took this legal action.
Speaking of the accusation that the Affiliation is 'passing itself off' as ATSCo, Abby said "ATSCo is a trade representative body, we are a non-profit making organisation with nearly 200 members ranging from single contractors to small consultancies and small agencies that wish to work with us. How the two can be confused I don't know?
"It is overwhelmingly obvious that this is a case of their being upset over the revelations that Computer People have been using FUD tactics for client to client services and they’ve now picked a target for retribution," he added.
The Affiliation will be challenging ATSCo to a Dispute Resolution Service procedure, orchestrated by the UK Internet Names Organisation, which would arbitrate the claim quickly as opposed to a lengthy fight through the courts. 'We have no doubt they would find in our favour,' Abby said.
UKTECH has contacted Anne Swain from the Association of Technology Staffing Companies with the following questions. At the time of going to press, they had not responded. UKTECH will reproduce their answers when they do.
1. They (the Affiliation) are calling your case against them 'groundless' and their solicitors have told them that 'You don't have a leg to stand on' - what is your response?
2. They don't see how you can claim or quantify that they have caused you a loss of any kind, how do you believe they have done this?
3. They realise that you have 'deeper pockets' than them and believe you will keep the case going until you bankrupt them to take them out of the picture?
4. They blame the action, in part, to your being upset with the current stories surrounding Computer People - is this justified?
5. They are going to challenge you to a dispute resolution procedure by Nominet - the UK internet names organisation: will you be accepting?
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Richard Powell