Synergistic calls out Audioholics

Right, this is pretty minor as far as the dollar amounts involved. Intentional interference claims are fairly common amongst larger corporations wherein hundreds of millions of dollars are at issue. 

Gene contacted Synergistic Research’s dealers and distributors making claims about Ted and his products. Thats when he stepped over the line and is why he is being sued. It’s called Intentional Interference with a Business Relationship.

dletch2 - The whole basis is that Gene’s actions were intentionally done to influence SR’s business relationships. It’s a different area of the law from a libel claim. It doesn't focus on the "truth" of the matter but the motive behind the actions. 

dletch2 - You guess wrong on me not being a lawyer. Going back to our discussion: Intentional torts have different damages than say a tort based on negligence. I’m sure Ted has claimed injunctive relief and punitive damages. It was really foolish for Gene to contact dealers and distributors that Ted is in contract with - like I said an hour ago that's when Gene stepped over the line.

dletch2 - When Gene contacted SR’s dealers and distributors directly that is when it became actionable. Nothing to do with advertising, being an "activist" or arguing on chat boards.

dletch2 - "is it reasonable to contact these people?" or "trying to divert business your way" is not the legal standard or issue here. This is about INTENT to interfere with a business relationship/contract. SR has business relationships/contracts with its dealers and distributors.  

dletch2 - Legally, you are not understanding what has occurred. Trying to dissuade a CONSUMER from buying a product is much different legally from contacting a companies’ DEALERS AND DISTRIBUTORS with the INTENT of inflicting economic damage on that company. A similar claim is Intentional Interference with a Business Contract. If Gene has competent legal counsel I'm sure he will find out the difference soon.