Legal Definitions - intentional interference with contractual relations

Intentionalinterference with contractual relations is a legal term that refers to a situation where a person intentionally and improperly interferes with another person's contractual relationship with a third party. This interference can result in damages being awarded to the injured party.

To prove intentional interference with contractual relations, the plaintiff must show that:

1. A valid contract existed between the plaintiff and a third party
2. The defendant had knowledge of the contract
3. The defendant acted intentionally and improperly to interfere with the contract
4. The plaintiff suffered damages as a result of the interference

For example, if Company A has a contract with Company B to provide services, and Company C intentionally convinces Company B to breach the contract with Company A, then Company A may have a claim for intentional interference with contractual relations against Company C.

Another example could be if an employee has a contract with their employer that guarantees them a certain salary and benefits, and a competitor intentionally convinces the employer to breach the contract by offering the employee a higher salary to work for them instead. In this case, the employee may have a claim for intentional interference with contractual relations against the competitor.