Hi-Line Electric Company v. Dowco Electrical Products

JERRE S. WILLIAMS, Circuit Judge:

Hi-Line Electric Co. (Hi-Line) instituted this diversity action, seeking injunctive relief and damages for DowCo Electrical Products’ (DowCo) alleged tortious conduct. After a bench trial, the district court found for Hi-Line and granted the requested relief. The district court premised its award of damages on the conclusion that DowCo could be held liable in tort for inducing Hi-Line’s employees to breach an unenforceable covenant not to compete contained in the employment contracts between those employees and Hi-Line. We reverse.

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Hi-Line is in the business…