A writ was served yesterday afternoon on the club's solicitors by lawyers acting on behalf of Joorabchian's companies MSI and Just Sports Inc.
Joorabchian has decided to take this course of action despite FIFA recommending the dispute be settled by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Solicitor Graham Shear of lawyers Teacher Stern Selby said in a statement: "I can confirm the companies (MSI and Just Sports Inc) have today begun High Court proceedings against West Ham.
"This afternoon a High Court writ was served on the football club's solicitors.
"The companies seek the court's intervention to compel West Ham to release the registration of Carlos Tevez in accordance with contracts entered into between the parties.
"We are asking the court to intervene so that Carlos Tevez can be registered to play with Manchester United as soon as possible."
Shear added: "We will be making no further statement at this time."
