A tortious interference claim is a legal action against an individual who has purposefully interfered with an entity’s business relationships through blackmailing, obstruction, threats, or other methods which negatively affect the employer’s economic interests. This type of claim can be used by employers to enforce non-compete agreements against former employees. The employer must prove that the employee was aware of the existing or potential relationship (with the client, supplier, contractor, etc.) and they intentionally meddled with that relationship which caused real damages to the employer.[12]