Tortious interference, can also be called intentional interference in contractual relations. It occurs when a third party disrupts or interferes with your business relationships and causes harm.

Businesses rely on a multitude of different relationships from vendors, to contractors, distributors, insurers and more to successfully run the company. When a third party steps in and convinces one of these partners to halt services and break their contract with your business, you may have a case for tortious interference.

Tortious interference of an existing contract can cause a business severe economic harm. In order to make a claim for tortious interference with an existing contract the following points must all be true:

• There must be a valid (enforceable) contract between the plaintiff and a third party
• The defendant must have been aware of the existence of this contract
• The defendant must have convinced the third party to breach the contract
• The plaintiff suffered economic harm as a result of this breach of contract

If these are all true, then the plaintiff can pursue remedies. As each case is unique and depends on a variety of factors, it’s important to consult with a commercial litigation attorney.

For more information about tortious interference of an existing contract or for help finding a commercial litigation attorney, send us a message.