National Oil Co. v. Phillips Petroleum Co.
United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
265 F. Supp. 320 (1966)

- Written by Rich Walter, JD
Facts
National Oil Company (National) (plaintiff) was a jobber that distributed fuel for Phillips Petroleum Company (Phillips) (defendant). National’s top salesman, a man named Stellick, took a percentage of his sales. In early 1963, Phillips gave notice that it would transfer its business from National to another jobber on June 1. Phillips encouraged Stellick to leave National and partner with the new jobber. Instead, Stellick quit National to set up his own business. Phillips’ decision and the loss of its top salesman soon forced National out of business. National sued Phillips in federal court, alleging that Phillips tortiously interfered with the relationship between National and Stellick. Phillips moved for a directed verdict in its favor.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Doyle, J.)
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