Damnum absque injuria

In law, damnum absque injuria (Latin for "loss or damage without injury") is the principle of tort law in which some person (natural or legal) causes damage or loss to another, but does not injure them. Examples:

• Opening a burger stand near someone else's may cause them to lose customers, but this in itself does not give rise to a cause of action for the original burger stand owner.
• Harassment of a person by physical contact may not cause injury, but may very well interfere with that person's purpose, which is a form of damage. Vehement physical contact with explicit verbal denial of permission constitutes a tort. A penal sum for damages can be applied nominally, preventing further damages to person.