Glossary · Torts

Tortious Interference

tortious-interference-a88d8283b437f409-2026-07-28

Type
Glossary
Jurisdiction
National
Date
2026-07-28
Topic
Torts

A tort committed when someone intentionally and improperly disrupts another's contract or business relationship, causing economic harm. Interference with an existing contract is the classic form; interference with a prospective business relationship is also actionable but requires more egregious conduct. Ordinary competition is a defense, so the interference must involve wrongful means or purpose.

Definition

A tort committed when someone intentionally and improperly disrupts another's contract or business relationship, causing economic harm. Interference with an existing contract is the classic form; interference with a prospective business relationship is also actionable but requires more egregious conduct. Ordinary competition is a defense, so the interference must involve wrongful means or purpose.

Tortious Interference. A tort committed when someone intentionally and improperly disrupts another's contract or business relationship, causing economic harm. Interference with an existing contract is the classic form; interference with a prospective business relationship is also actionable but requires more egregious conduct. Ordinary competition is a defense, so the interference must involve wrongful means or purpose. Example: The rival committed tortious interference by bribing the distributor to abandon its exclusive supply agreement.