What are the elements involved in establishing interference with business relations?

To establish interference with business relations, one must demonstrate the existence of a valid contract or a valid expectancy of a business relationship. This means that there is a legally enforceable contract in place, or there is a reasonable expectation that a business relationship would have developed if not for the interference.

In this context, the valid contract signifies a clear agreement that has been breached through interference, while the expectancy refers to a situation where a potential relationship is anticipated, such as ongoing negotiations that indicate a mutual interest. This element is crucial, as it sets the foundation for claiming that the interference was wrongful and had tangible impacts on the parties involved.

Other elements, such as competition and shared customers, may relate to business relations but do not directly establish interference by themselves. A previous business relationship or a verbal agreement might provide context or background to a situation, yet they do not encapsulate the legal requisites needed to affirmatively establish a claim for interference with business relations. Therefore, focusing on the valid contract or expectancy is essential for grounding a legal claim in this area.