Narrative Opinion Summary
The appeal involves a sales agent (Appellant) who represented manufacturers of electrical components used by Jabil Circuit, Inc. (Appellee). Initially, Appellee procured components through Appellant but later shifted to direct purchases from manufacturers. The court partially reverses the summary judgment against Appellant concerning claims of tortious interference with business relationships, citing factual disputes on whether Appellee influenced manufacturers to cease using Appellant as their agent. Evidence suggests Appellee threatened to contact manufacturers to discourage them from utilizing Appellant's services. However, the court upholds the summary judgment regarding Appellee’s decision to buy directly from manufacturers, indicating this choice does not constitute tortious interference. Judges Stone, Gross, and Senior Judge Owen concur with the decision.
Legal Issues Addressed
Direct Purchases and Tortious Interferencesubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The court determines that Appellee's decision to purchase directly from manufacturers does not amount to tortious interference, thus upholding the summary judgment on this aspect.
Reasoning: However, the court upholds the summary judgment regarding Appellee’s decision to buy directly from manufacturers, indicating this choice does not constitute tortious interference.
Tortious Interference with Business Relationshipssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The court examines whether Appellee's actions in influencing manufacturers to cease using Appellant as their agent constituted tortious interference, and finds factual disputes warranting further examination.
Reasoning: The court partially reverses the summary judgment against Appellant concerning claims of tortious interference with business relationships, citing factual disputes on whether Appellee influenced manufacturers to cease using Appellant as their agent.