Opinion ID: 1703077
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 28

Heading: 7.2. interference with contract terminable at will or with prospective business relations; competition or financial interest defense

Text: The issues for your determination on the claim of (claimant) against (defendant) are whether (defendant) interfered with business relations between (claimant) and (name) and did so improperly and intentionally; and if so, whether such interference caused damage to (claimant). The first question is whether (defendant) interfered with (claimant's) business relations with (name) by inducing or otherwise causing (name) [not to enter into a contract with (claimant)] [not to continue doing business with (claimant)] [to terminate or bring to an end a contract which (name) was not bound to continue with (claimant)] [(describe other interference)]. If (defendant) did [interfere with (claimant's) business relations with (name)] [cause (name) to cease doing business with (claimant)], then the next question is whether, as contended by (claimant), the interference by (defendant) was improper. A person who enjoys business relations with another is entitled to protection from improper interference with that relationship. However, another person is entitled to [compete for the business]N.1 [or]N.2 [advance his own financial interest]N.2 so long as he has a proper reason or motive and he uses proper methods. A person who interferes with the business relations of another with the motive and purpose, at least in part, to advance [or protect]N.2 his own business [or financial]N.2 interests, does not interfere with an improper motive. But one who interferes only out of spite, or to do injury to others, or for other bad motive, has no justification, and his interference is improper. So also, a person who interferes with another's business relations using ordinary business methods [of competition]N.1 does not interfere by an improper method. But one who uses [ physical violence], [ misrepresentations], [ illegal conduct] or [ threats of illegal conduct], and the like, [or] [ (identify other improper conduct)]N.4 has no privilege to use those methods, and his interference using such methods is improper. If (defendant's) interference was improper, the last question is whether it was intentional as well. Interference is intentional if the person interfering knows of the business relationship with which he is interfering, knows he is interfering with that relationship, and desires to interfere or knows that interference is substantially certain to occur as a result of his action. If the greater weight of the evidence does not support the claim of (claimant), [that (defendant) intentionally interfered with (claimant's) [contract] [business relationship] with (name),]N.3 then your verdict should be for (defendant). Greater weight of the evidence means the more persuasive and convincing force and effect of the entire evidence of the case. [However, if the greater weight of the evidence does support the claim of (claimant), then you shall consider the defense of (defendant). On the defense, the issue for your determination is whether (defendant) acted properly in interfering as he did.]N.3 If the greater weight of the evidence [does not support the defense of (defendant) and the greater weight of the evidence]N.3 does support the claim of (claimant), then your verdict should be for (claimant). If you find for (defendant), you will not consider the matter of damages. But, if you find for (claimant), you should award (claimant) an amount of money that the greater weight of the evidence shows will fairly and adequately compensate (claimant) for such [loss] [or] [damage] as was caused by the intentional interference. Such interference is the cause of [loss] [or] [damage] if it directly and in a natural and continuous sequence produces or contributes substantially to producing such [loss] [or] [damage].