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Tortious Interference With Contracts and Business Expectancies

·

By

ACL

The short answer

Tortious interference allows a claim against someone who intentionally and unjustifiably causes another party to breach a contract with you, or who purposefully disrupts a reasonable expectation of business.

Where it fits in your case

When a competitor, former employee, or outsider disrupts your contracts or customer relationships.

What to expect

  • Contract interference requires a valid contract, the defendant’s knowledge, intentional and unjustified inducement of a breach, and damages.

  • Expectancy interference requires a reasonable expectation of a business relationship and purposeful interference.

  • Competition is generally privileged when pursued by fair means.

What we need from you

Contracts or relationship evidence, communications showing the interference, and lost business records.

Common misconceptions

  • “Taking our customer is interference.” Fair competition usually is not.

  • “We can sue the customer too.” Claims against the customer are usually for breach.

This resource provides general information about Illinois and federal law, not legal advice about your situation. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. The right answer often depends on the specific facts, contract language, policy wording, and deadlines involved.

ALLISONCHOLAW / BUSINESS LITIGATION & COUNSEL

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