Conversion Cause of Action Cannot Be Based Solely Upon Allegations of Breach of Contract

In a detailed decision construing contract language, the Fourth Department noted that the conversion cause of action should be dismissed because no tortious conduct over and above the failure to fulfill the contract was alleged:

“[I]t is well established that a cause of action to recover damages for conversion cannot be predicated on a mere breach of contract” … .  Because plaintiff “failed to show . . . that [defendant] engaged in tortious conduct separate and apart from [its alleged] failure to fulfill its contractual obligations,” the cause of action for conversion must be dismissed… . Lehr, Inc v T-Mobile USA Inc…, 1085, 4th Dept 12-27-13