Quantum Maintenance Corp. v. Mercy College
Quantum entered into a maintenance contract with Mercy College which included a non-compete clause preventing Mercy from employing Quantum's personnel for two years post-termination. After Mercy terminated the contract, Aramark took over the maintenance services and subsequently hired Quantum's former employees. Quantum filed a lawsuit against Aramark, alleging tortious interference with contract, claiming Aramark induced Mercy to breach the non-compete clause. Aramark sought to dismiss the complaint, arguing the contract only restricted Mercy from direct hiring and that it could not be held liable as an agent. The court denied Aramark's motion, determining that the term 'engage' in the contract could be interpreted broadly to encompass hiring through a third-party contractor and that Aramark's alleged actions might have been for its self-interest, negating its agency defense.