Protecting Contracts and Business Relationships from Unlawful Interference

Contracts are the backbone of business in Oklahoma—and when a third party intentionally disrupts a valid contract, the consequences can be costly and unfair. At Calvert Law Firm, we fight for businesses and individuals whose contracts or economic relationships have been sabotaged by wrongful interference. Our attorneys are experienced in proving complex interference claims and pursuing damages to restore what you’ve lost.

What Is Tortious Interference with Contract?

“Tortious interference” occurs when someone who is not a party to a contract intentionally causes one party to breach the agreement or makes it impossible to perform. There are two common types:

• Tortious Interference with Contract: Deliberately causing a breach of an existing, valid contract.
• Tortious Interference with Prospective Business Advantage: Wrongful actions that prevent a business deal or relationship from coming to fruition.

Examples include:

• A competitor luring away a key customer or supplier, causing a contract to fall through
• A third party spreading false information to disrupt a business deal
• Poaching employees bound by non-compete or non-solicitation agreements
• Pressuring one party to abandon their contractual obligations for personal gain

Elements of a Tortious Interference Claim

To succeed, you generally must show:

1. A valid, enforceable contract or business relationship existed
2. The defendant knew about the contract or relationship
3. The defendant intentionally interfered, causing a breach or loss
4. You suffered actual damages as a result

Our attorneys know how to gather the evidence and expert testimony needed to meet each of these elements in Oklahoma courts.

Common Scenarios of Interference

• Competitors using sabotage or misinformation to win business
• Disgruntled former partners or employees seeking revenge
• Suppliers being pressured to break exclusive contracts
• Corporate “raiding” of talent or key accounts
• Customers enticed away despite contractual commitments

How Calvert Law Firm Protects Your Business

• Investigation: We analyze contracts, communications, and business relationships to pinpoint the interference and responsible parties.
• Demand Letters and Negotiation: We often start with formal notice and negotiation, seeking prompt compensation and resolution.
• Aggressive Litigation: If settlement fails, we file lawsuits and seek injunctions, damages, or both.
• Comprehensive Damages: We calculate not just lost profits, but also future business opportunities and reputation harm.
• Prevention: We help you draft stronger contracts and policies to prevent future interference.

Damages and Remedies

Victims of tortious interference may recover:

• Lost profits and income
• Out-of-pocket costs and consequential damages
• Punitive damages (for malicious or egregious conduct)
• Injunctive relief (court order to stop further interference)
• Attorneys’ fees and costs (in some cases)

Our goal is to make you whole and deter wrongful interference in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have a claim if a competitor “poached” my customer?

If the competitor’s actions were wrongful (e.g., using false information, violating non-competes), you may have a claim. Contact us for a review.

Can I sue for interference if there was no written contract?

You may still have a claim for interference with prospective business advantage, but written contracts are stronger.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Oklahoma’s statute of limitations for tortious interference claims is generally two years from when you discover the loss.

What if the other party claims it was just “business”?

We investigate to show the interference crossed a legal line, not just aggressive competition.

Contact Calvert Law Firm Today

If your contract, customer, or business relationship has been wrongfully disrupted, don’t let it go unchallenged. Contact Calvert Law Firm for a confidential consultation and let us fight to restore your business and reputation.