Saunders

Plaintiffs (petitioners) filed suit against a group of certified shorthand reporters and two insurance companies for unfair business practices, interference with contract and interference with prospective economic advantage. The trial court sustained the demurrers of defendants (real parties in interest) to all causes of action without leave to amend. We issued an alternative writ of mandate to review this ruling. For the reasons explained below, we have determined the trial court erred in sustaining the demurrers.

Facts and Proceedings Below

This cause and its companion, Wilcox v. Superior Court, ante, 809 [ 33 Cal.Rptr.2d 446 ], arise out of the practice of “direct contracting” under which a certified shorthand reporter or association of reporters contract with a major consumer of reporter services, such as an insurance company, for the exclusive right to report depositions taken by attorneys representing that consumer.

Plaintiffs are certified shorthand reporters who have brought suit against defendants, also certified shorthand reporters, alleging “direct contracting” as practiced by defendants constitutes an unfair business practice, intentional interference with…