You have been negotiating for months with a supplier.  A competitor becomes aware of your negotiations and derails the deal.  Can you recover for your damages?  Under the Tort of Inteference with a Business Opportunity you may.

Generally, the types of opportunities that can be subject to such a claim include:

• Sale or Purchase of a Business
• Sale or Purchase of Property
• Employment Opportunities
• Sale of Goods
• Construction Contracts
• Professional Relationships

In order to prove the tort of Interference with a Business Opportunity, you must show:

• That there is an opportunity in existence that is definate and specific in scope and capable of being acted upon
• The other party had knowledge of the opportunity
• The other party with intent intefered with the opportunity
• They actually caused damage to your interests
• Actual Damages

More Reading:

• Should You Litigate?
• What Can You Sue For? Basic Contract Damages
• How long do I have to sue? The New York Statue of Limitations