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Tortious Interference
Tortious interference is when someone deliberately messes up a contract or business deal you already had, causing you financial harm.
What it actually is
It is a civil wrong (tort) where a third party, with knowledge of your existing contract or prospective business relationship, intentionally and improperly induces the other party to break it or not go through with it. In a case, you must prove the defendant knew about your arrangement, took active steps to disrupt it, and that you suffered actual loss as a result.
Why it matters in your case
If you are the plaintiff, proving this claim can recover lost profits and damages from the meddling party, even if you still have a claim against the breaching party. If you are the defendant, you face potential liability for conduct that may otherwise look like ordinary competition, so you need to show your actions were justified or privileged.
The common misunderstanding
Many people mistakenly think any interference with business is tortious, but ordinary competition and even inducing a breach for a legitimate business reason—like protecting an existing right—is usually not wrongful. It requires improper means or purpose, not just causing a deal to fall apart.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.