What is a tortious interference with prospective business relations?
Tortious interference with prospective business relations is an area of the law in California that prohibits unfair competition. Tortious interference occurs when one person or entity intentionally interferes with a prospective business relationship between another person or entity and a third party. This interference may include, but is not limited to, actions such as spreading false rumors, making false statements, using fraudulent means to obtain business, inducing a contract breach, or inducing a third party to act in a manner adverse to the other party’s interests. For an action to be considered tortious, it must be done with malicious intent. This means the defendant was aware of the harm they were potentially causing and acted with the intention of causing that harm. Additionally, the interference must cause harm or damage to the plaintiff, such as preventing them from entering into a business relationship or otherwise deriving a benefit. Tortious interference is considered a form of unfair competition in California and can result in significant financial damages. Those who have been subjected to such conduct can seek legal action to have the responsible party held accountable and to receive compensation for any damages suffered as a result of the interference.
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