Ran Corp. v. Hudesman

I respectfully dissent.

We once observed that “[b]ona fide competition for customers ... not only is allowable, but is fundamental to our economic system.” Ellis v. City of Valdez, 686 P.2d 700, 707 n. 14 (Alaska 1984). Thus, we have held that one may be privileged to interfere with another’s contract when the actor has a direct financial interest in the contract. Bendix Cory. v. Adams, 610 P.2d 24 (Alaska 1980). In determining the question of privilege, however, “the essential question ... is whether the person’s conduct is motivated by a desire to protect [the person’s] economic interest, or…