Are there any defenses to a tortious interference with contractual relations claim?

Yes, there are legal defenses to a tortious interference with contractual relations claim in California. Unfair competition is when one business, either through acts of their own or with the assistance of a third party, attempts to get an advantage over a competitor by deceptive or unethical practices. Tortious interference with contractual relations is when a third party interferes with an agreement between two other parties by either preventing or disrupting the completion of the contractual obligations of one or both parties. One potential defense to a tortious interference with contractual relations claim is an assertion of privilege. This is a defense that sometimes applies when a person or entity who interferes with contractual performance has a special authority or status that they are legally allowed to do so. This could include if the third party is a government entity with the ability to make laws and enforce regulations that would prohibit the completion of the contractual obligations. Another defense to a tortious interference with contractual relations claim is a defense that the interference was justified. This defense requires that the interference was necessary and done with a legitimate purpose. If the interference was necessary to protect a person’s rights or interests, then it could be seen as a valid defense to a tortious interference with contractual relations claim. Finally, a lack of knowledge of the contractual rights and obligations of the parties can be seen as a defense as well. This defense is somewhat of an extension of the privilege and justification defenses. If the third party genuinely did not understand the details of the contract, then it may be seen as a valid defense that they did not intentionally interfere with the contractual obligations of either party.

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Are there any defenses to a tortious interference with contractual relations claim?

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