Tortious Interference

Category: legal

An intentional tort where a defendant improperly induces a third party to breach an existing contract with the plaintiff.

This is a major business tort. If you know Company A has a contract with Company B, and you offer Company B a better deal specifically to make them break their contract with A, you are liable for damages to Company A.

Common Examples

• The software firm sued their rival for tortious interference after they actively poached the lead engineer while the non-compete was active.
• To win a tortious interference case, the plaintiff must prove the defendant knew about the contract and acted with the specific intent to disrupt it.