Tortious interference is a civil claim based on improper interference with a contract or business expectancy.
It often involves one party allegedly causing another party to lose a contract, customer, deal, or economic relationship.
Why tortious interference matters
The claim protects certain contractual and business relationships from wrongful outside interference. It can be important when conduct harms a deal even though the interfering party was not a party to the original contract.
The line between lawful competition and improper interference is often central.
Where tortious interference appears
Tortious interference appears in business disputes, employment transitions, vendor relationships, real estate deals, customer poaching disputes, and competitor conflicts.
It may involve contracts, negotiations, noncompete issues, confidentiality disputes, or bad-faith conduct.
How it differs from nearby terms
Breach of contract is usually a claim against a party to the contract. Tortious interference is often a claim against a third party that improperly disrupts the relationship.
It differs from ordinary competition because the alleged interference must be wrongful under the applicable law.
Practical example
A competitor knowingly pressures a supplier to break an exclusive supply contract with another company by making false statements about that company. The harmed company may allege tortious interference.
Related Terms
Quick check
Question: Is tortious interference usually about wrongful disruption of a contract or business relationship?
Answer: Yes. It targets improper interference with protected economic relationships.