Case Problem Analysis:

Wrongful Interference

Jeff Hubert worked for MedTron, Inc., a medical technology company, as a sales manager. His contract with MedTron had a non$-$compete clause that prohibited him from working for a competitor for one year after leaving MedTron. St$.$ Francis Medical, S$.$C$.,$ Inc., was a competitor of MedTron. In an effort to expand their business, St$.$ Francis contacted Hubert about joining them. Hubert felt dissatisfied with conditions at MedTron, and so began negotiations with St$.$ Francis. Hubert shared his current contract with St$.$ Francis's executives, who told him that his contract with MedTron was unenforceable and offered him a job as a sales director at a significant higher salary. In fact, the contract was enforceable under state law. Hubert accepted the job offer from St$.$ Francis. MedTron filed a suit against St$.$ Francis, alleging wrongful interference. Did wrongful interference occur and if so$,$ which type of wrongful interference occurred?

Apply It: Wrongtul Interterence

Total points: $\frac{9\mathrm{.}17}{10}$

Attempts left: $1$

Identifying the Facts and Issues

Wrongful interference with a business relationship requires

a history of competition between two parties $-$

$,$ that the third party is

$$ using predatory methods $-,$ with a purpose

of $$ causing intentional harm $-$ Wrongful interference with a contractual relationship requires

$$ a valid contract between two parties $-,$ a third party who $$ knows the contract exists $-.$ and that same third party who

$$ intentionally induces one of the parties to break the contract