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Rama (based on Tosafot Baba Batra 21b “vi’ee”) rules that an outside resident paying local taxes may open an establishment in a different mavoy of the city, but not in the same mavoy as the already existing business. Rabbi Chaim Jachter ([http://www.jlaw.com/Articles/hasagatgevul.html Gray Matter Hasagat Gevul: Economic Competition in Jewish Law]) writes that the modern day neighborhood is equivalent to the mavoy of the Gemara.   
Rama (based on Tosafot Baba Batra 21b “vi’ee”) rules that an outside resident paying local taxes may open an establishment in a different mavoy of the city, but not in the same mavoy as the already existing business. Rabbi Chaim Jachter ([http://www.jlaw.com/Articles/hasagatgevul.html Gray Matter Hasagat Gevul: Economic Competition in Jewish Law]) writes that the modern day neighborhood is equivalent to the mavoy of the Gemara.   
However, Pitchei Choshen Geneva ViHona’a 9: note 2 explains that in the modern business environment, it does not stand to reason that if there is one store or business in town, that store should be given a monopoly on the entire town. This is especially true for big cities, where there is plenty of room for several stores and businesses to make a good income. Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz ([http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/736064/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/hasagas-gevul-unfair-competition/ Hasagas Gevul - Unfair Competition on Yutorah]) raises this argument as well. Rabbi Chaim Jachter ([http://www.jlaw.com/Articles/hasagatgevul.html Gray Matter Hasagat Gevul: Economic Competition in Jewish Law]) quotes that Rav Soloveitchik thought that the laws of competition do not apply in America but didn’t explain why he felt that way. </ref>
However, Pitchei Choshen Geneva ViHona’a 9: note 2 explains that in the modern business environment, it does not stand to reason that if there is one store or business in town, that store should be given a monopoly on the entire town. This is especially true for big cities, where there is plenty of room for several stores and businesses to make a good income. Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz ([http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/736064/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/hasagas-gevul-unfair-competition/ Hasagas Gevul - Unfair Competition on Yutorah]) raises this argument as well. Rabbi Chaim Jachter ([http://www.jlaw.com/Articles/hasagatgevul.html Gray Matter Hasagat Gevul: Economic Competition in Jewish Law]) quotes that Rav Soloveitchik thought that the laws of competition do not apply in America but didn’t explain why he felt that way. </ref>
#If the newcomer threatens to cut off the income of the original tradesman entirely, many rule that the incumbent has the right to prevent the competitor from opening his business.<ref>See Pitchei Teshuva 156:3 at length. Aviasaf (cited by the Mordechai, Bava Batra 516) rules that it is forbidden for somebody, even if he lives locally, to open a store at the entrance to a mavoy satum (a dead-end alley), if a similar establishment is already located within the mavoy. The reason for this is that opening such a store will bring the original shopkeeper’s business to ruin. Potential customers will see only the new store upon entering the alley, and the original establishment will go unnoticed. Pitchei Choshen Hilchot Geneva ViHona'a 9:5 quotes this as well and adds that the same is true if a second store cannot be supported in the area.
The Beit Yosef C.M 156 explains that the ruling of Aviasaf follows the opinion of Rav Huna, which is not according to Halacha. Thus, it would seem from Shulchan Aruch C.M. 156:5 that one may not prevent another business from opening nearby even if it will certainly eliminate his own business. This is the ruling of the Beit Ephraim C.M 26. The Rama (Darchei Moshe 156:4) however, explains that according to the Aviasaf, all opinions agree that it is prohibited to open a new business if this will cause the original business (the one inside the mavoy) to collapse. In other words, cases of “definite damage” do not fall into the principles above, and it is forbidden for one business to cause “definite damage” to another.On the other hand, the Pitchei Teshuva 156:3 quotes the Chavos Yair that even the Rama thinks this is only in the opinion of Rav Huna, and we don't follow his opinion. Therefore, even if the incumbent would go out of business, he cannot prevent a competitor from opening.
In a teshuva, the Rama (Shut Siman 10) brings this Aviasaf among other arguments and rules that it is forbidden for a second publisher to publish an already published work (in this case the Mishneh Torah of the Rambam), if this will inevitably bring the first publisher to ruin. Shut Chatam Sofer (61:79) also rules like this Aviasaf on a similar question where the incumbent business would be forced to close down. Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe C.M. 1:38) brings several arguments including the Aviasaf and concludes that a new shul could not open because they would ruin the income of the rabbi of the existing shul even if the shul will still have a minyan. Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe C.M. 2:31) wouldn’t allow a second Seforim/Judaica store to open in a place that couldn’t support two. He adds that the incumbent must reimburse  the competitor for his expense. Pitchei Teshuva 156:3 quotes Shut Masat Binyamin 27 that if there is a law that only allows one store, a second one may not open and force the initial one to close. He notes that the Masat Binyamin doesn’t quote the Aviasaf and must think that this is even for the Rishonim who disagree with the Aviasaf.
Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe C.M. 1:38) writes that loss of livelihood is not defined by a loss of one’s home or the ability to put food on the table. It means interfering with his ability to afford as much as an average person in a similar position. </ref>
#If the new business will charge lower prices or sell higher quality, some say that we cannot stop him from opening.<ref>Tur 156 explains that the Chachomim didn't protect the seller at the expense of all the consumers. Aruch Hashulchan 156:11, Pitchei Choshen Hilchot Geneva ViHonaa 9:8, Mishpitei Hatorah 2:10. This is based on the Rosh (Baba Batra 2:12), quoting the Ri ibn Megash. Although the Beit Yosef quotes that the Ramban disagrees, the Rosh is mentioned as a yesh omrim in the Rama 156:7. See Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch (Teshuvot Vihanhagot 1:800) on opening a competing restaurant.</ref>
#If the new business will charge lower prices or sell higher quality, some say that we cannot stop him from opening.<ref>Tur 156 explains that the Chachomim didn't protect the seller at the expense of all the consumers. Aruch Hashulchan 156:11, Pitchei Choshen Hilchot Geneva ViHonaa 9:8, Mishpitei Hatorah 2:10. This is based on the Rosh (Baba Batra 2:12), quoting the Ri ibn Megash. Although the Beit Yosef quotes that the Ramban disagrees, the Rosh is mentioned as a yesh omrim in the Rama 156:7. See Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch (Teshuvot Vihanhagot 1:800) on opening a competing restaurant.</ref>
#If the newcomer threatens to cut off the income of the original tradesman entirely, many rule that the incumbent has the right to prevent the competitor from opening his business.<ref>See Pitchei Teshuva 156:3 at length. Aviasaf (cited by the Mordechai, Bava Batra 516) rules that it is forbidden for somebody, even if he lives locally, to open a store at the entrance to a mavoy satum (a dead-end alley), if a similar establishment is already located within the mavoy. The reason for this is that opening such a store will bring the original shopkeeper’s business to ruin. Potential customers will see only the new store upon entering the alley, and the original establishment will go unnoticed.
The Beit Yosef C.M 156 explains that the ruling of Aviasaf follows the opinion of Rav Huna, which is not according to Halacha. Thus, it would seem from Shulchan Aruch C.M. 156:5 that one may not prevent another business from opening nearby even if it will certainly eliminate his own business. This is the ruling of the Beit Ephraim C.M 26. The Rama (Darchei Moshe 156:4) however, explains that according to the Aviasaf, all opinions agree that it is prohibited to open a new business if this will cause the original business (the one inside the mavoy) to collapse. In other words, cases of “definite damage” do not fall into the principles above, and it is forbidden for one business to cause “definite damage” to another.On the other hand, the Pitchei Teshuva 156:3 quotes the Chavos Yair that even the Rama thinks this is only in the opinion of Rav Huna, and we don't follow his opinion. Therefore, even if the incumbent would go out of business, he cannot prevent a competitor from opening.
In a teshuva, the Rama (Shut Siman 10) brings this Aviasaf among other arguments and rules that it is forbidden for a second publisher to publish an already published work (in this case the Mishneh Torah of the Rambam), if this will inevitably bring the first publisher to ruin. Shut Chatam Sofer (61:79) also rules like this Aviasaf on a similar question where the incumbent business would be forced to close down. Rav Moshe Feinstein (Iggerot Moshe C.M. 1:38) brings several arguments including the Aviasaf and concludes that a new shul could not open because they would ruin the income of the rabbi of the existing shul even if the shul will still have a minyan. Rav Moshe Feinstein (Iggerot Moshe CM 2:31) wouldn’t allow a second Seforim/Judaica store to open in a place that couldn’t support two. He adds that the incumbent must reimburse  the competitor for his expense. Pitchei Teshuva 156:3 quotes Shut Masat Binyamin 27 that if there is a law that only allows one store, a second one may not open and force the initial one to close. He notes that the Masat Binyamin doesn’t quote the Aviasaf and must think that this is even for the Rishonim who disagree with the Aviasaf.
Rav Moshe Feinstein (Iggerot Moshe C.M. 1:38) writes that loss of livelihood is not defined by a loss of one’s home or the ability to put food on the table. It means interfering with his ability to afford as much as an average person in his times. </ref>
#One business may even advertise and offer incentives to attract customers.<ref>S”A CM 228:18, [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/m/halacha.aspx?id=1465 Rabbi Eli Mansour Dailyhalacha.com], Pitchei Choshen Hilchot Geneva ViHona’a 9:3. However, one may not speak lashon hara about his competitor’s product (Chafetz Chaim Hilchot Lashon Hara Klal 5: Halacha 7). See [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/735658/rabbi-aaron-levine/advertising-and-promotional-activities-as-regulated-by-jewish-law/ Advertising and Promotional Activities as Regulated by Jewish Law] by Rabbi Dr. Aaron Levine </ref>
#One business may even advertise and offer incentives to attract customers.<ref>S”A CM 228:18, [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/m/halacha.aspx?id=1465 Rabbi Eli Mansour Dailyhalacha.com], Pitchei Choshen Hilchot Geneva ViHona’a 9:3. However, one may not speak lashon hara about his competitor’s product (Chafetz Chaim Hilchot Lashon Hara Klal 5: Halacha 7). See [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/735658/rabbi-aaron-levine/advertising-and-promotional-activities-as-regulated-by-jewish-law/ Advertising and Promotional Activities as Regulated by Jewish Law] by Rabbi Dr. Aaron Levine </ref>
#Whenever the newcomer is permitted to enter the market, he is prohibited to compete in an unfair manner, such as by selling below cost.<ref>Pitchei Choshen Hilchot Geneva ViHona’a 9:3, Aruch Hashulchan 156:11, Erech Shai 228:18. Rav Moshe Feinstein (Iggerot Moshe Y.D. 3:134) says that if the original store is overcharging, it is not a problem to open a new store and charge the proper (lower) price. </ref>
#Whenever the newcomer is permitted to enter the market, he is prohibited to compete in an unfair manner, such as by selling below cost.<ref>Pitchei Choshen Hilchot Geneva ViHona’a 9:3, Aruch Hashulchan 156:11, Erech Shai 228:18. Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe Y.D. 3:134) says that if the original store is overcharging on basic necessities, it is not a problem to open a new store and charge the proper (lower) price. Rav Moshe is discussing a funeral home/chapel that is overcharging.  </ref>
#If there is a specific day that is reserved for people to come and shop there, nobody can prevent anyone else from opening.<ref>Shulchan Aruch C.M. 156:7 based on Bava Basra 22a about Yom HaShuk. Rashi explains that on this day people come from all over, so the residents of the city don't have priority. [http://www.workplacehalacha.com/category/choshen-mishpat/hasagas-gevul-unfair-competition/ Rabbi Wasserman] applied this same concept to areas like the diamond district as well.</ref>
#If there is a specific day that is reserved for people to come and shop there, nobody can prevent anyone else from opening.<ref>Shulchan Aruch C.M. 156:7 based on Bava Basra 22a about Yom HaShuk. Rashi explains that on this day people come from all over, so the residents of the city don't have priority. [http://www.workplacehalacha.com/category/choshen-mishpat/hasagas-gevul-unfair-competition/ Rabbi Wasserman] applied this same concept to areas like the diamond district as well.</ref>
#As a customer, some say that one should not buy from an establishment that opened when it was forbidden to do so.<ref>Shut Maharik Shoresh 187. Pitchei Choshen Hilchot Geneva ViHona’a 9:1 quoting from Shut Harama 10</ref> Others argue that once the store is open, a consumer may purchase at either establishment.<ref>Shut Nachalah L'Yehoshua 29</ref>
#As a customer, some say that one should not buy from an establishment that opened when it was forbidden to do so.<ref>Shut Maharik Shoresh 187. Pitchei Choshen Hilchot Geneva ViHona’a 9:1 quoting from Shut Harama 10</ref> Others argue that once the store is open, a consumer may purchase at either establishment.<ref>Shut Nachalah L'Yehoshua 29</ref>
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#Competition is not limited at all in the following areas:  
#Competition is not limited at all in the following areas:  
##Teaching Torah.<ref>The Gemara (Baba Batra 21b-22a) states that even Rav Huna permits unrestricted competition in the area of Torah education, since competition fosters improved Torah knowledge (kinat sofrim tarbeh chochmah). Chazon Ish (Emunah U'Bitachon 3:1) says that this logic limits the application to when it will improve Torah knowledge and is in the communities best interest.  [http://www.jlaw.com/Articles/hasagatgevul.html%20Gray%20Matter%20Hasagat%20Gevul:%20Economic%20Competition%20in%20Jewish%20Law Rabbi Jachter] writes that this doesn’t apply to other mitzvot. Therefore, he quotes Rabbi Ezra Basri (Shaare Ezra 2:131) that these laws of competition would apply to selling chametz before Pesach. Similarly, Rav Moshe Feinstein (Iggerot Moshe CM 2:31) wouldn’t allow a second Seforim/Judaica store to open in a place that couldn’t support two. On the other hand, Pitchei Choshen Hilchot Geneva ViHonaa 9: note 1 quotes the Levushei Mordechai CM 12 that this does apply to other mitzvot. Accordingly, he allowed a new mikveh to open even though it would force the first one to close.</ref>
##Teaching Torah.<ref>The Gemara (Baba Batra 21b-22a) states that even Rav Huna permits unrestricted competition in the area of Torah education, since competition fosters improved Torah knowledge (kinat sofrim tarbeh chochmah). Chazon Ish (Emunah U'Bitachon 3:1) says that this logic limits the application to when it will improve Torah knowledge and is in the communities best interest.  [http://www.jlaw.com/Articles/hasagatgevul.html%20Gray%20Matter%20Hasagat%20Gevul:%20Economic%20Competition%20in%20Jewish%20Law Rabbi Jachter] writes that this doesn’t apply to other mitzvot. Therefore, he quotes Rabbi Ezra Basri (Shaare Ezra 2:131) that these laws of competition would apply to selling chametz before Pesach. Similarly, Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe CM 2:31) wouldn’t allow a second Seforim/Judaica store to open in a place that couldn’t support two. On the other hand, Pitchei Choshen Hilchot Geneva ViHonaa 9: note 1 quotes the Levushei Mordechai CM 12 that this does apply to other mitzvot. Accordingly, he allowed a new mikveh to open even though it would force the first one to close.</ref>
##Internet businesses.<ref>[http://www.jlaw.com/Articles/hasagatgevul.html%20Gray%20Matter%20Hasagat%20Gevul:%20Economic%20Competition%20in%20Jewish%20Law Rabbi Jachter]. Similarly, S”A C”M 156:7 based on Baba Batra 22a rules that the restriction on outside competition does not apply to a market day, when people from outside the town come to shop. Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer ([http://dinonline.org/2015/08/31/opening-shop-laws-of-hasagas-gevul/ Opening Shop? Laws of Hasagas Gevul] on dinonline.org) applies this in a general sense to malls and large shopping centers, which attract shoppers from out of town. </ref>
##Internet businesses.<ref>[http://www.jlaw.com/Articles/hasagatgevul.html%20Gray%20Matter%20Hasagat%20Gevul:%20Economic%20Competition%20in%20Jewish%20Law Rabbi Jachter]. Similarly, S”A C”M 156:7 based on Baba Batra 22a rules that the restriction on outside competition does not apply to a market day, when people from outside the town come to shop. Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer ([http://dinonline.org/2015/08/31/opening-shop-laws-of-hasagas-gevul/ Opening Shop? Laws of Hasagas Gevul] on dinonline.org) applies this in a general sense to malls and large shopping centers, which attract shoppers from out of town. </ref>
##Business districts in which the original business owner would benefit from a new business opening up (i.e. more customers will arrive).<ref>[http://www.jlaw.com/Articles/hasagatgevul.html%20Gray%20Matter%20Hasagat%20Gevul:%20Economic%20Competition%20in%20Jewish%20Law Rabbi Jachter] quoting Rav Moshe D. Tendler and Rav Basri, since the original storeowners benefit from the newcomers. Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz ([http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/736064/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/hasagas-gevul-unfair-competition/ Hasagas Gevul - Unfair Competition on Yutorah]) brings the same argument. </ref>
##Business districts in which the original business owner would benefit from a new business opening up (i.e. more customers will arrive).<ref>[http://www.jlaw.com/Articles/hasagatgevul.html%20Gray%20Matter%20Hasagat%20Gevul:%20Economic%20Competition%20in%20Jewish%20Law Rabbi Jachter] quoting Rav Moshe D. Tendler and Rav Basri, since the original storeowners benefit from the newcomers. Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz ([http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/736064/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/hasagas-gevul-unfair-competition/ Hasagas Gevul - Unfair Competition on Yutorah]) brings the same argument. </ref>
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==Stealing Clients or Employees==
==Stealing Clients or Employees==
===Ethical Imperative Completing the Deal===
===Ethical Imperative Completing the Deal===
#If someone paid for a movable item and didn't yet take it neither the buyer nor seller should renege on the sale. If they do chazal enacted a particular curse called "mi she'parah" for engaging in such activities.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 204:1</ref>
#If someone paid for a movable item and didn't yet take it neither the buyer nor seller should renege on the sale. If they do chazal enacted a particular curse called "mi she'parah" for engaging in such activities.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 204:1</ref>
#Someone who verbally agreed to a sale but didn't yet pay, it is proper to keep your word.<ref>Shulchan Aruch CM 204:7</ref>
#Someone who verbally agreed to a sale but didn't yet pay, it is proper to keep your word.<ref>Shulchan Aruch CM 204:7</ref>
#If someone agreed upon a price with someone the principle of ''Ani Hamehapech Acharara'' doesn't restrict him from selling it to another buyer. However, it is nonetheless an issue of not keeping your word.<ref>Pitchei Choshen Geneva ch. 9 fnt. 32 citing the Avnei Nezer CM 17 and others that ''Ani Hamehapech Acharara'' applies to buyers and not sellers.</ref>
===Stealing Someone Else's Deal===
===Stealing Someone Else's Deal===
# If someone is making an effort to acquire something there is a principle that a second person shouldn’t come to supersede him to beat him to that acquisition. This principle is called ''Ani Hamehapech Bcharara''.<ref>Kiddushin 59a</ref> Our rabbis explained that anyone who takes the item from the first person is called a wicked person and there is a dispute if the bet din can extract the money from the second person.<ref>Pitchei Choshen Geneva 9:12 cites the Hagahot Maimoniyot as holding that bet din can’t extract the money whereas the Nemukei Yosef holds that the bet din can. It seems that the Maharsham holds that the bet din can’t extract the money.</ref>
 
# The principle of ''Ani Hamehapech Bcharara'' applies equally to sales and rentals as well as applies to land, movable items, and workers equally.<ref>Pitchei Choshen Geneva 9:14</ref>
#If someone is making an effort to acquire something there is a principle that a second person shouldn’t come to supersede him to beat him to that acquisition. This principle is called ''Ani Hamehapech Bcharara''.<ref>Kiddushin 59a</ref> Our rabbis explained that anyone who takes the item from the first person is called a wicked person and there is a dispute if the bet din can extract the money from the second person.<ref>Pitchei Choshen Geneva 9:12 cites the Hagahot Maimoniyot as holding that bet din can’t extract the money whereas the Nemukei Yosef holds that the bet din can. It seems that the Maharsham holds that the bet din can’t extract the money.</ref>
#The principle of ''Ani Hamehapech Bcharara'' applies equally to sales and rentals as well as applies to land, movable items, and workers equally.<ref>Pitchei Choshen Geneva 9:14</ref>
 
===The Leniency of a Unique Deal===
===The Leniency of a Unique Deal===
# If the second person can find a similar deal to buy or rent somewhere else he should not take it away from the first person.<ref>Bet Yosef 237, Pitchei Choshen Geneva 9:15</ref>
 
# If the second person is interested to buy a bigger quantity or a piece of real estate that is bigger land than that of the first person he could do so since he isn’t taking the first person’s deal.<ref>PitcheI Choshen Geneva ch. 9 fnt. 29 citing Chikrei Lev CM 103</ref>
#If the second person can find a similar deal to buy or rent somewhere else he should not take it away from the first person.<ref>Bet Yosef 237, Pitchei Choshen Geneva 9:15</ref>
# If he can't find the same deal somewhere else some hold that he could try to supersede the first person to buy the item first,<ref>Rama CM 237:1</ref> while some forbid this.<ref>Shach 237:3 argues on the Rama based on the Ramban. Avnei Nezer CM 17 sides with the Rama, while the Aruch Hashulchan 237:1 accepts the Shach.</ref>
#If the second person is interested to buy a bigger quantity or a piece of real estate that is bigger land than that of the first person he could do so since he isn’t taking the first person’s deal.<ref>PitcheI Choshen Geneva ch. 9 fnt. 29 citing Chikrei Lev CM 103</ref>
# If a person finds a good piece of real estate and someone else was already engaged to buy it there is a dispute whether it is right to try to acquire it first.<ref>Pitchei Choshen Geniva 9 fnt. 36 writes that it is unclear if a person in real estate finds a house on sale and it seems that it is a good deal and it is a big effort to find something similar whether he can supersede someone who already is going for it. He writes that it seems to be a dispute between the Maharshal and Sharit Yosef but he doesn't offer a resolution.</ref>
#If he can't find the same deal somewhere else some hold that he could try to supersede the first person to buy the item first,<ref>Rama CM 237:1</ref> while some forbid this.<ref>Shach 237:3 argues on the Rama based on the Ramban. Avnei Nezer CM 17 sides with the Rama, while the Aruch Hashulchan 237:1 accepts the Shach.</ref>
===At What Point Is It Forbidden to Interfere?==
#If a person finds a good piece of real estate and someone else was already engaged to buy it there is a dispute whether it is right to try to acquire it first.<ref>Pitchei Choshen Geniva 9 fnt. 36 writes that it is unclear if a person in real estate finds a house on sale and it seems that it is a good deal and it is a big effort to find something similar whether he can supersede someone who already is going for it. He writes that it seems to be a dispute between the Maharshal and Sharit Yosef but he doesn't offer a resolution.</ref>
# Before the parties agreed upon a price it is permitted for someone else to interfere to acquire the deal.<ref>Mordechai Bava Batra 551 writes that there isn't an issue with the second interfering with the first until the first buyer and seller agreed upon a price. Rama 237:1 codifies this.</ref> Some say that the second person doesn't interfere even before the first buyer and seller agreed upon a price. <Ref>Prisha 237:1 writes that even if the first buyer and seller didn't agree on a price but would have agreed had they been left to work it out themselves the second person shouldn't interfere. Aruch Hashulchan 237:1 and Pitchei Choshen Geneva 9:16 cite the Prisha.</ref>  
 
# If the buyer left because they couldn't agree on a price the second buyer can interfere.<ref>Perisha 237:1</ref>
===At What Point Is It Forbidden to Interfere?===
# It is a pious practice for a second person never to interfere with an original buyer even if it technically isn't ''Ani Hamehapech Bcharara''.<ref>Pitchei Choshen Geneva 9:16/ref>
 
#Before the parties agreed upon a price it is permitted for someone else to interfere to acquire the deal.<ref>Mordechai Bava Batra 551 writes that there isn't an issue with the second interfering with the first until the first buyer and seller agreed upon a price. Rama 237:1 codifies this.</ref> Some say that the second person doesn't interfere even before the first buyer and seller agreed upon a price. <ref>Prisha 237:1 writes that even if the first buyer and seller didn't agree on a price but would have agreed had they been left to work it out themselves the second person shouldn't interfere. Aruch Hashulchan 237:1 and Pitchei Choshen Geneva 9:16 cite the Prisha.</ref>
#If the buyer left because they couldn't agree on a price the second buyer can interfere.<ref>Perisha 237:1</ref>
#It is a pious practice for a second person never to interfere with an original buyer even if it technically isn't ''Ani Hamehapech Bcharara''.<ref>Pitchei Choshen Geneva 9:16</ref>


===Stealing Someone Else's Free Item===
===Stealing Someone Else's Free Item===
#If someone has made an effort to acquire a free item, some say  it is wrong for someone else to beat him to it and "steal it."<ref>Rashi Kiddushin 59a s.v. ani, Ramban Bava Batra 54b. See also Rashbam Bava Batra 54b</ref> Others permit this if there's only one of the kind of that free item.<ref>Tosfot Kiddushin 59a s.v. ani</ref>
#If someone has made an effort to acquire a free item, some say  it is wrong for someone else to beat him to it and "steal it."<ref>Rashi Kiddushin 59a s.v. ani, Ramban Bava Batra 54b. See also Rashbam Bava Batra 54b</ref> Others permit this if there's only one of the kind of that free item.<ref>Tosfot Kiddushin 59a s.v. ani</ref>
#Everyone agrees if the first person put in effort<ref>Masat Binyamin 27 writes that the amount of effort necessary for it to be considered forbidden for the second to take the free item is only if the first person anticipated that he would certainly get it. See Chatom Sofer 79.</ref> to acquire the free item and he anticipated getting it the second one may not take it from him.<ref>Mordechai Kiddushin 524, Ritva Kiddushin 59a</ref>
#Everyone agrees if the first person put in effort<ref>Masat Binyamin 27 writes that the amount of effort necessary for it to be considered forbidden for the second to take the free item is only if the first person anticipated that he would certainly get it. See Chatom Sofer 79.</ref> to acquire the free item and he anticipated getting it the second one may not take it from him.<ref>Mordechai Kiddushin 524, Ritva Kiddushin 59a</ref>
#Sephardim hold that the second person shouldn’t even take a free item, while Ashkenazim hold that the second person could take a free item and the principle of ''Ani Hamehapech Bcharara'' only applies to sales or rentals.<ref>Shulchan Aruch CM 237:1 quotes Rashi and Rabbenu Tam and Rabbenu Tam as second. Rama sides with Rabbenu Tam.</ref>  
#Sephardim hold that the second person shouldn’t even take a free item, while Ashkenazim hold that the second person could take a free item and the principle of ''Ani Hamehapech Bcharara'' only applies to sales or rentals.<ref>Shulchan Aruch CM 237:1 quotes Rashi and Rabbenu Tam and Rabbenu Tam as second. Rama sides with Rabbenu Tam.</ref>
# According to Sephardim it is only relevant once the first person already put in effort to acquire the free item and not just if he saw it.<ref>Pitchei Choshen Geneva ch. 9 fnt. 30</ref>
#According to Sephardim it is only relevant once the first person already put in effort to acquire the free item and not just if he saw it.<ref>Pitchei Choshen Geneva ch. 9 fnt. 30</ref>
# Even according to Ashkenazim, there is a principle of the second person not stealing the free opportunity from the first person if he already put in an effort and was confident that he would acquire it.<ref>Pitchei Choshen Geneva 9:13 based on Rosh</ref>
#Even according to Ashkenazim, there is a principle of the second person not stealing the free opportunity from the first person if he already put in an effort and was confident that he would acquire it.<ref>Pitchei Choshen Geneva 9:13 based on Rosh</ref>
 
===Poaching Employees===
[[Image:Poaching.jpg|right|250px]]


===Poaching Employers===
#It is halachically permitted to hire a worker who currently works for another similar job if they have a special talent that you doesn't think he will find in another worker.<ref>Tosfot Kiddushin 59a concludes that based on Rabbenu Tam it is permitted for someone person to hire a teacher who is already hired by someone else because he can claim that this teacher is unique and can do the best job. Shulchan Aruch CM 237:2 codifies this as the halacha.</ref> Regarding the legality of poaching employers from competitors see [https://www.pashalaw.com/legally-poaching-employees-company-and-preventing-it/ here] and the article on [[Dina Dmalchuta Dina]].
# It is halachically permitted to hire a worker who currently works for another similar job if they have a special talent that you doesn't think he will find in another worker.<ref>Tosfot Kiddushin 59a concludes that based on Rabbenu Tam it is permitted for someone person to hire a teacher who is already hired by someone else because he can claim that this teacher is unique and can do the best job. Shulchan Aruch CM 237:2 codifies this as the halacha.</ref> Regarding the legality of poaching employers from competitors see [https://www.pashalaw.com/legally-poaching-employees-company-and-preventing-it/ here] and the article on [[Dina Dmalchuta Dina]].
#It is forbidden to get someone hired by a employee if by getting the job someone who currently works there will get fired unless the employer either way was going to fire that worker. Doing so is an issue of "stealing" the first worker's job.<ref>Tosfot Kiddushin 59a, Shulchan Aruch CM 237:2</ref>
# It is forbidden to get someone hired by a employee if by getting the job someone who currently works there will get fired unless the employer either way was going to fire that worker. Doing so is an issue of "stealing" the first worker's job.<ref>Tosfot Kiddushin 59a, Shulchan Aruch CM 237:2</ref>


==Links==
==Links==